Machinist Apprenticeship in New Jersey

Wages, programs & career outlook
NJ Median Salary
$62,010/yr
+10% vs. national
National Median
$56,150/yr
NJ Employment
3,530
Machinists employed
NJ Sponsors
2555
Registered programs

New Jersey Wage Spread

Annual wages for Machinists in New Jersey across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$44,410
25th %ile
$49,420
Median
$62,010
75th %ile
$78,650
90th %ile
$90,850

Machinist Apprenticeship in New Jersey

The median Machinist in New Jersey earns $62,010 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 29%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

New Jersey pays modestly above the national Machinist median — $62,010 vs. $56,150, a 10% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

Automation and shifting construction methods are shrinking Machinist employment (0.0% projected). Still, 29,500 annual replacement openings mean the trade isn't going away — it's consolidating.

With 3,530 Machinists employed (1.0% of the U.S. total), New Jersey is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

A Machinist apprenticeship runs 4 years at 8,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy in evening or weekend classes.

Prospective Machinist apprentices in New Jersey have 2,555 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

Wages for Machinists in New Jersey range from $44,410 at the entry level to $90,850 for veterans — a $46,440 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in New Jersey

2555 registered apprenticeship sponsors in New Jersey. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) 100 Stellarator Road Middlesex County
Jersey Elevator, LLC. Aberdeen Monmouth County
Mastropiero Plumbing & Heating Corporation Aberdeen Monmouth County
RPM Landscape Contractor, LLC Abescon
Brandon's Restoration Service Absecon Atlantic County
Climatech Heat and Air Absecon Atlantic County
Diamond Scooters, Inc. Absecon Atlantic County
Bob Viersma & Sons, Inc. Allamuchy
Oceanside Service Inc. Allenhurst Monmouth County
Freiberger Excavating, LLC Allentown
Hammer Electrical Contracting LLC Allentown Monmouth County
Premier Electric Allenwood Monmouth County
P3 Generators LLC Alpha
Airside Inc. Andover
Clarke Moynihan Landscaping and Construction Andover
Nardone Electric, Inc. Andover Warren County
Vaughan Sealcoating & Paving Andover
Bob Taylor Plumbing & Heating Inc. Annandale Hunterdon County
Green Power Energy, LLC Annandale
RSG Electric LLC Asbury Hunterdon County
Samsean Enterprises LLC Asbury Warren County
Tornusciolo Plumbing & Heating Inc. Asbury Monmouth County
Comfort World Service LLC Asbury Park Monmouth County
Encon Asbury Park Monmouth County
Marco Region Management LLC Asbury Park Monmouth County
+ 5 more sponsors in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Machinists make in New Jersey?
The BLS reports a median wage of $62,010/yr for Machinists in New Jersey (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How many years does it take to become a Machinist through apprenticeship?
A typical Machinist apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Machinists?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Machinists combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Are Machinist jobs growing?
Demand for Machinists is declining, with 0.0% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Machinist apprenticeship in New Jersey?
There are 2555 registered apprenticeship sponsors in New Jersey. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Machinist apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In New Jersey, a first-year Machinist apprentice might earn around $31,005/yr (roughly half the $62,010 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Machinist in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in New Jersey

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.