Manual and CNC Machinist Salary Ohio (2026 Guide + City Pay Breakdown)
Manufacturing remains one of the largest industries in the Midwest, and machinists are the backbone of Ohio’s industrial economy. From aerospace manufacturing in Dayton to automotive production around Toledo, companies across the state depend on skilled manual and CNC machinists to produce precision components.
If you’re considering a machining career or evaluating your current pay, this guide breaks down 2026 machinist salaries across Ohio, including detailed pay data for major cities like Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
This guide covers:
Average machinist salary in Ohio (2026)
Manual vs CNC machinist pay differences
City-by-city salary breakdown
Entry-level and senior machinist earnings
Factors that increase machinist pay
Average Machinist Salary in Ohio (2026)
Featured Snippet: What Does a Machinist Make in Ohio?
Average Machinist Salary in Ohio (2026):
Across the state, the average CNC machinist salary is about $26.39 per hour, or roughly $50,633 annually, based on recent job data.
Certified machinists average around $53,964 per year, with top earners exceeding $70,000 annually depending on experience and specialization.
Senior CNC machinists typically earn around $27.70 per hour, reflecting increased skill and responsibility.
Manual Machinist vs CNC Machinist Salary
While both roles are highly skilled trades, CNC machinists generally earn slightly more due to programming and automation knowledge.
Manual Machinist
Manual machinists operate traditional equipment such as:
Engine lathes
Bridgeport mills
Horizontal boring mills
Surface grinders
Typical pay range in Ohio:
Manual machinists are still in high demand for repair work, prototype machining, and specialized tooling.
CNC Machinist
CNC machinists program and operate automated equipment like:
CNC mills
CNC lathes
multi-axis machining centers
EDM machines
Typical Ohio pay:
Many machinists increase pay significantly once they learn:
CAD/CAM programming
G-code editing
multi-axis machining
Machinist Salary by City in Ohio (2026)
Machinist wages vary based on manufacturing demand, cost of living, and industry concentration.
Below is a breakdown of machinist salaries across major Ohio cities.
Machinist Salary in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the Midwest.
Industries include:
Aerospace
Automotive
Tool and die manufacturing
Industrial equipment
Average machinist salary:
Cleveland machinists average around $26.09 per hour according to job posting data.
Machinist Salary in Akron, Ohio
Akron remains a strong manufacturing center with companies specializing in:
rubber manufacturing
tooling
polymer machining
aerospace components
Average CNC machinist salary:
Machinist Salary in Canton, Ohio
Canton supports machining jobs in:
steel manufacturing
heavy equipment
oil & gas components
Typical machinist pay:
Machinist Salary in Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown has a strong legacy in steel manufacturing and precision machining.
Average machinist pay:
Machinist Salary in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton has one of the strongest aerospace manufacturing sectors in Ohio.
Average CNC machinist salary:
The presence of aerospace and defense manufacturers often increases machinist pay in the region.
Machinist Salary in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus has a growing manufacturing sector tied to advanced manufacturing and electronics.
Average machinist pay:
Columbus machinists average roughly $54,751 annually according to job market data.
Machinist Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati has one of the largest machining sectors in the state thanks to:
aerospace manufacturing
aviation components
industrial machining
Typical salary ranges:
Average pay is roughly $25.83 per hour based on job posting data.
Machinist Salary in Toledo, Ohio
Toledo machinists often work in:
automotive manufacturing
glass production equipment
precision tooling
Average machinist salary:
Average pay is about $52,455 annually.
What Factors Increase Machinist Salaries?
Several factors can significantly increase machinist pay.
1. CNC Programming Skills
Machinists who learn:
Mastercam
Fusion 360
SolidCAM
G-code programming
can earn $10k–$30k more annually.
2. Industry
Higher-paying machining industries include:
Aerospace
Defense manufacturing
Medical device manufacturing
Precision tooling
3. Experience
Typical pay growth:
Job Outlook for Machinists in Ohio
Manufacturing remains one of Ohio’s largest employment sectors, and machinists continue to be in high demand.
Key trends include:
growth in CNC automation
increased need for multi-axis machinists
retiring workforce creating skilled trade shortages
Many employers report difficulty filling machinist roles, which is gradually pushing wages higher.
How to Become a Machinist in Ohio
Typical pathways include:
1. Trade School
Programs usually last 12–24 months.
2. Apprenticeship
Many machinists start as machine operators and train on the job.
3. Certifications
Common certifications:
NIMS machining certification
CNC programming certificates
CAD/CAM training
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying machinist job?
The highest-paying roles include:
CNC Programmer
5-Axis Machinist
Tool and Die Maker
Aerospace Machinist
These jobs can exceed $90,000 per year.
Are machinists in demand in Ohio?
Yes. Manufacturing shortages and retiring workers are creating strong demand for skilled machinists statewide.
How much do entry-level machinists make in Ohio?
Entry-level machinists typically earn $19–$23 per hour, or roughly $40k–$48k per year depending on location and experience.
Final Thoughts
Manual and CNC machinists remain essential to Ohio’s manufacturing economy. Across cities like Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati, machinists can earn anywhere from $40,000 to over $90,000 per year depending on specialization and experience.
For workers willing to develop CNC programming and advanced machining skills, machining remains one of the most stable and rewarding skilled trades in Ohio.