Machinist salary in Cleveland, TN
Machinists in the Cleveland, TN metro area earn a median of $46,120 a year ($22.18 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,730 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $58,750. Pay here is 7% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $49,600. There are 1.1 machinists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.59). The average (mean) salary is $47,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for machinists in Cleveland, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| 25th percentile | $40,430 | $19.44 |
| Median | $46,120 | $22.18 |
| 75th percentile | $56,790 | $27.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,730 | $29.68 |
| Average (mean) | $47,950 | $23.05 |
Half of machinists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,843.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,921.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,773.85 |
| Weekly | $886.92 |
| Hourly | $22.18 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Machinist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $59,220 | 1,050 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $57,890 | 450 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $57,820 | 360 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $51,540 | 730 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $51,430 | 1,640 |
| Knoxville, TN | $49,900 | 1,470 |
| Jackson, TN | $48,340 | 240 |
| Morristown, TN | $47,370 | 330 |
| Johnson City, TN | $45,550 | 180 |
Highest-paying states for machinists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $84,410 |
| Alaska | $77,670 |
| District of Columbia | $72,900 |
| Massachusetts | $67,270 |
| Washington | $66,160 |
| Oregon | $63,820 |
| New Jersey | $63,190 |
| Wyoming | $63,070 |
| Vermont | $62,680 |
| Delaware | $62,650 |
See Machinist pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cleveland, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $46,670 | $22.44 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $44,510 | $21.40 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $44,110 | $21.21 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $38,010 | $18.28 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $58,120 | $27.94 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $44,520 | $21.40 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $32,970 | $15.85 |
| Baker | $29,420 | $14.15 |
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | $39,380 | $18.93 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $48,080 | $23.11 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $50,670 | $24.36 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $32,770 | $15.76 |
More: Production Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-4041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinist make in Cleveland, TN?
The median salary for machinists in the Cleveland, TN metro area is $46,120 a year, or $22.18 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid machinists make in Cleveland, TN?
The top 10% of machinists in the Cleveland, TN metro area earn at least $61,730 a year. The top 25% earn $56,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for machinists in Cleveland, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,900 a year, and a quarter of machinists earn $40,430 or less.
How many machinists work in Cleveland, TN?
About 50 machinists are employed in the Cleveland, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.