CNC Machinist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Seattle, Washington$79,800 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About CNC Machinist Jobs in Seattle

Looking for a CNC Machinist job in Seattle? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a CNC Machinist in Seattle, WA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Seattle has a strong job market for CNC Machinists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

CNC Machinist Salary in Seattle

Entry Level
$51,680
Median
$79,800
Senior Level
$113,620

CNC Machinist salaries in Seattle are 52% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Seattle is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CNC ProgrammingMachine OperationBlueprint ReadingQuality InspectionSetup

CNC Machinist Job Market in Seattle

Seattle, WA is one of America's premier job markets for CNC Machinist professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 737K residents, Seattle balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for CNC Machinist roles across various sectors. The market for CNC Machinist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring CNC Machinists in Seattle

City of SeattleSound TransitSeattle Public SchoolsPuget Sound Energy

Major employers hiring CNC Machinists in Seattle include City of Seattle, Sound Transit, Seattle Public Schools, Puget Sound Energy. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for CNC Machinists in Seattle

Living in Seattle as a CNC Machinist means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (152% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,400/month (33% above the national average of $1,800). At median CNC Machinist salary, rent would consume about 36% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,800/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

152
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a CNC Machinist in Seattle

Seattle Light rail expanding rapidly, extensive bus system, and ferry network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Link Light Rail now reaches Amazon HQ and Microsoft country. Seattle traffic is among worst in US - transit or remote work recommended.

Best neighborhoods for CNC Machinists in Seattle: South Lake Union (Amazon HQ neighborhood with rapid growth); Downtown (Microsoft, Google, and major tech offices); Capitol Hill (Trendy area with tech workers and startups). South Lake Union is particularly popular among CNC Machinist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Washington

Washington has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a CNC Machinist earning $79,800 would save approximately $3,990 annually. This makes Seattle attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for CNC Machinists

The job outlook for CNC Machinists in Seattle is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, Seattle typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection.

Relocating to Seattle

Seattle has a very high cost of living. Many CNC Machinists negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. Washington has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York. The Pacific Northwest has mild temperatures but significant rainfall. Invest in quality rain gear and embrace the indoor coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average CNC Machinist salary in Seattle, WA?

The average CNC Machinist salary in Seattle, WA is $79,800 per year. Entry-level CNC Machinists typically start around $51,680, while experienced professionals can earn $113,620 or more. The national average for CNC Machinist roles is $52,500.

How many CNC Machinist jobs are available in Seattle?

Seattle has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for CNC Machinist professionals. Major employers hiring CNC Machinists include City of Seattle, Sound Transit, Seattle Public Schools, Puget Sound Energy. The Technology and Aerospace sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Seattle a good city for CNC Machinists?

Seattle is an excellent choice for CNC Machinists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for CNC Machinists in Seattle?

Top skills for CNC Machinists in Seattle include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection, Setup. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for CNC Machinists in Seattle?

Seattle's cost of living is significantly above the national average (152% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,400/month. Purchasing power in Seattle is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for CNC Machinists in Seattle?

Seattle Light rail expanding rapidly, extensive bus system, and ferry network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Link Light Rail now reaches Amazon HQ and Microsoft country.

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