Industrial Mechanic vs Machinist
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Industrial Mechanic
$60,750
National Median Salary
Total Jobs574,500
Annual Openings54,000
Training4 yr apprenticeship
Machinist
$51,720
National Median Salary
Total Jobs384,700
Annual Openings35,400
Training1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship
Metric
Industrial Mechanic
Machinist
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $60,750* | $51,720 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 574,500* | 384,700 |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 54,000* | 35,400 |
Training Time | 4 yr apprenticeship | 1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Industrial Mechanics
Alaska$87,230
Washington$83,450
Connecticut$80,120
Oregon$78,340
Michigan$76,890
Top States for Machinists
Alaska$78,430
Connecticut$74,890
Washington$72,340
California$70,120
Massachusetts$68,450