Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Machinists Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Machinists make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$58,660
Median Annual Salary
▲ +9.4% vs 2024
$59,560
Mean Salary
$58,660
Median Salary
$28.20
Hourly Rate
6,040 people work as Machinists in Kentucky

Machinists salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Machinists salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Machinists in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $39,070$39,07025th25% earn less than $48,560$48,560MedianHalf earn more than $58,660$58,66075th75% earn less than $71,530$71,53090thTop 10% earn more than $78,020$78,020

Machinists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $58,660 per year ($4,888/month). This is 1.3% below the national average of $59,437. Kentucky ranks #29 out of 51 states for Machinists pay. Approximately 6,040 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 9.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Machinists

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Operations Monitoring
3.12
Active Listening
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Mathematics
3.47
Mechanical
3.3
Production and Processing
3.26
Design
3.01
Engineering and Technology
2.7
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (35.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Machinists in Kentucky

Salaries for Machinists in Kentucky range from $39,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $78,020 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,560 and $71,530.

Median $58,660
P10: $39,070 P25: $48,560 P75: $71,530 P90: $78,020
10th
$39,070
25th
$48,560
Median
$58,660
75th
$71,530
90th
$78,020
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $39,070 $18.78 $3,255
25th Percentile $48,560 $23.35 $4,046
Median (50th) $58,660 $28.20 $4,888
75th Percentile $71,530 $34.39 $5,960
90th Percentile (Experienced) $78,020 $37.51 $6,501

Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,560 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#29
Kentucky ranks #29 of 51 states
$59,437
National avg. for Machinists
-1.3%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Machinists salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Machinists take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Machinists Data in Kentucky

Machinists Salary by State

Compare Machinists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Machinists make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Machinists in Kentucky is $58,660 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,560.
What is the salary range for a Machinists in Kentucky?
Salaries for Machinists in Kentucky range from $39,070 at the 10th percentile to $78,020 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,560 and $71,530.
What is the starting salary for a Machinists in Kentucky?
Entry-level Machinists positions in Kentucky typically start around $39,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,560 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Machinists in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,040 people are employed as Machinists in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Machinists in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Machinists in Kentucky is approximately $28.20 per hour.

💼 Earning $58,660/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn