 
Median hourly earnings of machinists were $ 15.66 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.15 and $19.45. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.57, while the top 10 percent earned more than $23.17. Median hourly earnings in the manufacturing industries employing the largest number of machinists in 2002 were:
| Metalworking machinery manufacturing |
$16.75 |
| Other general purpose machinery manufacturing |
15.91 |
| Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing |
15.45 |
| Motor vehicle parts manufacturing |
15.18 |
| Employment services |
9.41 |
|