Machine Assembler Salary in 2026
How Much Do Machine Assemblers Make?
Machine Assemblers earn a median annual salary of $52,540 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,950 at the 10th percentile to $74,300 at the 90th percentile — a range of $36,350. The highest-paying state is North Carolina at $75,560.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,950 |
| 25th percentile | $42,790 |
| Median (50th) | $52,540 |
| 75th percentile | $70,050 |
| 90th percentile | $74,300 |
Machine Assembler Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolinatop | $75,560 |
| Indiana | $73,540 |
| New Hampshire | $67,950 |
| Connecticut | $67,320 |
| Ohio | $66,860 |
| New Jersey | $63,060 |
| Massachusetts | $62,440 |
| Oregon | $61,270 |
| Washington | $60,410 |
| Wisconsin | $56,400 |
| Arkansas | $52,780 |
| California | $52,480 |
| Minnesota | $51,550 |
| Florida | $51,230 |
| Idaho | $50,820 |
| Colorado | $50,750 |
| New York | $50,460 |
| Tennessee | $50,400 |
| Michigan | $50,040 |
| South Carolina | $49,910 |
| Nebraska | $48,100 |
| Illinois | $47,680 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,410 |
| Oklahoma | $47,300 |
| Kentucky | $46,830 |
| Utah | $46,060 |
| Iowa | $44,810 |
| South Dakota | $44,730 |
| Louisiana | $44,450 |
| Missouri | $44,060 |
| Arizona | $42,860 |
| Nevada | $39,430 |
| Texas | $38,630 |
| Georgia | $37,640 |
| Mississippi | $37,420 |
| Virginia | $34,890 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Machine Assemblers
Machine Assembler Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,950 – $42,790 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$52,540 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$70,050 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $74,300+ |
How to Earn More as a Machine Assembler
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Machine Assemblers in North Carolina earn $75,560 — $23,020 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($70,050) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Machine Assembler Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Machine Assemblerthis career | $52,540 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 |
| Boilermaker | $73,340 |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer | $53,990 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist | $60,640 |
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SOC: 51-2031.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.