Across U.S. metros, machinists typically earn $8,720 more a year than maintenance technicians (18%). In the 361 metros where BLS publishes both, machinists earn more in 320 and maintenance technicians in 41.
| Machinist | Maintenance Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $57,050 | $48,330 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,310 | $22,040 |
| Highest metro median | $84,410 | $63,980 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.0% | +4.2% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 26,100 | 148,700 |
| Self-employed | 0% | 1% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 108 | 212 |
| Metros with pay data | 361 | 393 |
On safety, maintenance technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (212 vs. 108 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 machinists out-earn maintenance technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where maintenance technicians out-earn machinists the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, machinists earn more in 51 states and maintenance technicians in 0. The gap favors machinists most in Hawaii ($26,450) and machinists most in California ($190).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: rarely for machinists, often for maintenance technicians. Very hot or cold conditions: occasionally for machinists, often for maintenance technicians.
| Machinist | Maintenance Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Rarely | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Occasionally | Often |
| Working at heights | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Rarely | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
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.
Maintenance Technician
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
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