How much does a machinist make in Charleston?
$59,280a year
Median yearly pay for machinists in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area. That is $28.50 an hour or $4,940 a month.
- Hourly
- $28.50
- Vs. national median
- +1%
- Rank among cities
- 129 of 361
- Jobs in the area
- 470
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $46,930Median: $59,280Highest 10%: $75,160
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $46,930 | $22.56 | |
| 25th | $48,070 | $23.11 | |
| Median | $59,280 | $28.50 | |
| 75th | $67,280 | $32.35 | |
| 90th | $75,160 | $36.13 |
Other cities in South Carolina
Median yearly pay for machinists.
| Augusta, GA | $67,140 |
| Charlotte, NC | $60,210 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $60,060 |
| Columbia, SC | $59,570 |
| Greenville, SC | $57,970 |
| Florence, SC | $56,900 |
| Sumter, SC | $49,480 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $46,460 |
Related jobs in Charleston
Same field, median yearly pay.
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker | $79,990 |
| Power Plant Operator | $79,900 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $76,710 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $74,320 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operator | $67,540 |
| Coating | $62,280 |
| Chemical Equipment Operator and Tender | $57,410 |
| Welder | $56,060 |
| Metal Worker and Plastic Worker | $52,180 |
| Grinding | $51,930 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinist make an hour in Charleston?
The median hourly pay in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area is $28.50 ($59,280 a year).
Do machinists make more in Charleston than the national average?
Yes: $59,280 against $58,750 nationally, 1% more.
How does Charleston compare with the rest of South Carolina?
The median in South Carolina is $57,970, so Charleston pays 2% more.
Where does Charleston rank for machinist pay?
129 of 361 metro areas with data.
How much does a machinist make starting out in Charleston?
The lowest-paid 10% make $46,930 or less a year; the top 10% make $75,160 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.