Machinist vs Solar Panel Installer: which pays more?
Machinists earn about $1,000 more per year than solar panel installers — roughly 2% higher at the national median. Here is how the two careers compare on pay, training, and outlook.
Machinist
$52,000
median per year
Machinists set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts.
Full machinist salary data →Solar Panel Installer
$51,000
median per year
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install, and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems.
Full solar panel installer salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | Machinist | Solar Panel Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $52,000 | $51,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $25 | $25 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $38,000 | $39,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $74,000 | $70,000 |
| Education required | High school diploma plus apprenticeship or technical training. | High school diploma plus on-the-job or technical training. |
| Job outlook | 2% growth through 2033 — CNC skills in demand. | 48% growth through 2033 — fastest growing trade. |
Pay by state
| State | Machinist | Solar Panel Installer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $61,500 | $60,000 | +$1,500 for Machinist |
| New York | $59,500 | $58,000 | +$1,500 for Machinist |
| Massachusetts | $59,000 | $57,500 | +$1,500 for Machinist |
| Washington | $58,000 | $57,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| New Jersey | $56,500 | $55,500 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Colorado | $54,000 | $53,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Illinois | $53,000 | $52,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Pennsylvania | $51,000 | $50,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Texas | $50,500 | $49,500 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Arizona | $50,000 | $49,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Michigan | $49,500 | $48,500 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Ohio | $49,000 | $48,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Georgia | $49,000 | $48,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| North Carolina | $48,500 | $47,500 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
| Florida | $48,000 | $47,000 | +$1,000 for Machinist |
Which career should you choose?
Pay is only one part of the decision. Machinists earn more on paper, but high school diploma plus apprenticeship or technical training. takes longer and costs more than high school diploma plus on-the-job or technical training.. If you want to start earning sooner, solar panel installer is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, machinist tops out at $74,000 versus $70,000.
Job security also differs: machinist outlook is "2% growth through 2033 — CNC skills in demand." while solar panel installer outlook is "48% growth through 2033 — fastest growing trade."