Machinist vs Welder: which pays more?
Machinists earn about $0 more per year than welders — roughly 0% 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 →Welder
$52,000
median per year
Welders join metal parts using heat, working in manufacturing, construction, and pipeline projects.
Full welder salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | Machinist | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $25 | $25 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $74,000 | $74,000 |
| Education required | High school diploma plus apprenticeship or technical training. | High school diploma plus welding certificate or apprenticeship. |
| Job outlook | 2% growth through 2033 — CNC skills in demand. | 2% growth through 2033 — steady manufacturing demand. |
Pay by state
| State | Machinist | Welder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $61,500 | $61,500 | +$0 for Machinist |
| New York | $59,500 | $59,500 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Massachusetts | $59,000 | $59,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Washington | $58,000 | $58,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| New Jersey | $56,500 | $56,500 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Colorado | $54,000 | $54,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Illinois | $53,000 | $53,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Pennsylvania | $51,000 | $51,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Texas | $50,500 | $50,500 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Arizona | $50,000 | $50,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Michigan | $49,500 | $49,500 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Ohio | $49,000 | $49,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Georgia | $49,000 | $49,000 | +$0 for Machinist |
| North Carolina | $48,500 | $48,500 | +$0 for Machinist |
| Florida | $48,000 | $48,000 | +$0 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 welding certificate or apprenticeship.. If you want to start earning sooner, welder is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, machinist tops out at $74,000 versus $74,000.
Job security also differs: machinist outlook is "2% growth through 2033 — CNC skills in demand." while welder outlook is "2% growth through 2033 — steady manufacturing demand."