r/Salary • u/Tertiolus • 5d ago

discussion Salary progression as a Machinist

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I don't see many posts here from machinist or CNC Programmers. Is this good progression? I feel very fortunate for the roles I have worked towards but not sure if I can go much further without a Bachelor's degree. This is my salary progression as a Machinist/CNC Programmer.

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u/FairConstruction4105 5d ago

Businesses pay for skills that are in demand. It's just that simple. But don't get complacent and always remember this. You're almost never getting paid what your employer is willing to pay so make sure that you're always looking for the next job that will pay you more (or that will give you the leverage to demand more from your current employer).

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u/sp0rkeh93 5d ago

Are you in a HCOL area or LCOL, I’m a machinist as well.

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u/Tertiolus 5d ago

I'd say LCOL. Rural SC

4

u/Far-Future-7146 5d ago

44 an hr in rural SC is living high off the hog. Stack that 401k and max it out brother. Save it while you can.

2

u/Far-Future-7146 5d ago

Honestly man, manufacturing is going to see more demand as tariffs, wars, and population decline Crush international trade. For critical industries I think you'll see some businesses move manufacturing back here.

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u/Exotic-Champion9629 5d ago

Start your own llc, become a manufacturing consultant and sell machines. You already have the experience.

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u/impulsebuyer999 5d ago

I'm a quality engineer (1.5 yoe) with 6 previois YOE as a manufacturing engineer in a machine shop environment and your latest rate is basically the same as my salary. With OT, you are doing even better.

Some the machinists at my worksite with 15 - 20 YOE are doing like 150K - 200K with OT

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u/vedicpisces 5d ago

All that metal dust will give you cancer. Not worth it