Machinist salary in State College, PA
Machinists in the State College, PA metro area earn a median of $50,900 a year ($24.47 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,330 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $58,750. Pay here is 12% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $57,810. There are 1.8 machinists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,470, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for machinists in State College, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| 25th percentile | $46,230 | $22.23 |
| Median | $50,900 | $24.47 |
| 75th percentile | $61,110 | $29.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,330 | $35.26 |
| Average (mean) | $53,470 | $25.71 |
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 | $4,241.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,120.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,957.69 |
| Weekly | $978.85 |
| Hourly | $24.47 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $61,280 | 3,330 |
| Reading, PA | $59,550 | 440 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $59,330 | 630 |
| Williamsport, PA | $58,250 | 80 |
| Lancaster, PA | $56,700 | 560 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $56,070 | 360 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $55,880 | 2,760 |
| Erie, PA | $55,120 | 640 |
| Johnstown, PA | $54,910 | 150 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $53,290 | 540 |
| Altoona, PA | $52,660 | 120 |
| Lebanon, PA | $52,620 | 170 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $49,850 | 430 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $48,400 | 190 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $46,570 | 80 |
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 Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in State College, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $51,030 | $24.54 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $39,940 | $19.20 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $44,630 | $21.46 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $40,190 | $19.32 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $66,730 | $32.08 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $44,860 | $21.57 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $34,390 | $16.54 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $45,670 | $21.96 |
| Baker | $33,140 | $15.94 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $45,100 | $21.68 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $46,750 | $22.48 |
| Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $44,020 | $21.16 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $39,030 | $18.77 |
More: Production Occupations · all salaries in State College, PA
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 State College, PA?
The median salary for machinists in the State College, PA metro area is $50,900 a year, or $24.47 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid machinists make in State College, PA?
The top 10% of machinists in the State College, PA metro area earn at least $73,330 a year. The top 25% earn $61,110 or more.
What is the starting pay for machinists in State College, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,110 a year, and a quarter of machinists earn $46,230 or less.
How many machinists work in State College, PA?
About 120 machinists are employed in the State College, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.