Machinist Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Tennessee has 17 registered apprenticeship sponsors training machinists — 7 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
17
Union / joint programs
7
Median machinist wage
$48,610
Tennessee, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+14.9%
1,090 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| ABB Union / joint | ATHENS | Single Employer |
| AO Smith Union / joint | JOHNSON CITY | Single Employer |
| Arconic Union / joint | ALCOA | Single Employer |
| Artazn LLC Union / joint | Greeneville | Single Employer |
| Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Union / joint | Oak Ridge | Single Employer |
| CUMMINS, INC Union / joint | MEMPHIS | Multiple Employer |
| VAUGHN MANUFACTURING Union / joint | Ashland City | Single Employer |
| ATC Automation | Cookeville | Single Employer |
| DIENAMIC TOOLING SYSTEM INC | LENOIR CITY | Single Employer |
| EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO. - TN OPERATIONS | Kingsport | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Machinists Earn in Tennessee
Wages
- Median annual wage: $48,610
- Average annual wage: $51,850
- Machinists employed statewide: 7,730
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +14.9%
- Average openings per year: 1,090
- Employment: 9,150 → 10,510
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.