Machinist Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Machinists in Arkansas, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Arkansas Median
$51,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.59
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-13% vs US median
US median $58,750
State Rank
#47 of 51
2,150 employed here

How much does a Machinist make in Arkansas?

Machinists in Arkansas take home a median of $51,140 annually — roughly $24.59 an hour — which runs 13% below the national median of $58,750.

Within Arkansas, entry-level pay starts around $37,760 while the top 10% make $78,400 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,280 and $61,380 a year.

Machinist salary range in Arkansas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,760$18.15
25th percentile (early career)$45,280$21.77
50th percentile (median)$51,140$24.59
75th percentile (experienced)$61,380$29.51
90th percentile (top earners)$78,400$37.69

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas ranks 47th out of 51 states and territories for Machinist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$84,410
2Alaska$77,670
3District of Columbia$72,900
4Massachusetts$67,270
5Washington$66,160

Working as a Machinist in Arkansas

Nationally, about 287,000 people work as Machinists in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Arkansas pay ($51,140) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Machinist make in Arkansas?
The median Machinist salary in Arkansas is $51,140 per year, or about $24.59 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,760 at the entry level to $78,400 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Arkansas pay compare to the national average?
Arkansas pays Machinists about 13% less than the national median of $58,750. Arkansas ranks 47th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Arkansas a good state for Machinists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $51,140 a year. About 2,150 Machinists are employed in Arkansas. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas?
The highest-paying occupations in Arkansas include Dermatologist ($422,060), Neurologist ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($262,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Machinist salary report

Related salaries

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

$41,640
median pay · 14,000 employed

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

$53,750
median pay · 416,000 employed

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

$62,620
median pay · specialist role

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

$41,330
median pay · 7,000 employed

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

$63,870
median pay · 6,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.