Across U.S. metros, industrial machinery mechanics typically earn $6,815 more a year than machinists (12%). In the 360 metros where BLS publishes both, industrial machinery mechanics earn more in 331 and machinists in 29.
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | Machinist | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $63,865 | $57,050 |
| Lowest metro median | $31,260 | $29,310 |
| Highest metro median | $96,950 | $84,410 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +17.8% | +1.0% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 44,400 | 26,100 |
| Self-employed | 1% | 0% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 54 | 108 |
| Metros with pay data | 388 | 361 |
On safety, machinists report more injuries that cause missed work (108 vs. 54 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where industrial machinery mechanics out-earn machinists the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where machinists out-earn industrial machinery mechanics the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Machinist
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Compare one trade across two cities →