Machinist vs CDL Driver
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Machinist
$51,720
National Median Salary
Total Jobs384,700
Annual Openings35,400
Training1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship
CDL Driver
$54,320
National Median Salary
Total Jobs2,100,000
Annual Openings231,100
Training3-6 wk CDL program
Metric
Machinist
CDL Driver
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $51,720 | $54,320* |
Total Jobs Current employment | 384,700 | 2,100,000* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 35,400 | 231,100* |
Training Time | 1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship | 3-6 wk CDL program |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Machinists
Alaska$78,430
Connecticut$74,890
Washington$72,340
California$70,120
Massachusetts$68,450
Top States for CDL Drivers
Alaska$77,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$64,120
North Dakota$63,450
California$62,780