Magnetic thrust bearing systems are disclosed. Examples disclosed herein include a thrust bearing system comprising a thrust disc protruding radially outward from a shaft, the thrust disc including a first magnet, the first magnet including a first pole at a forward side of the thrust disc and a second pole at an aft side, a first thrust pad positioned on the forward side, the first thrust pad including a second magnet adjacent to a first surface of the first thrust pad, the first surface facing the thrust disc, the second magnet including a third pole, the third and first pole having the same polarity, and a second thrust pad including a third magnet adjacent to a second surface of the second thrust pad, the second surface facing the thrust disc, the third magnet including a fourth pole, the fourth and second pole having the same polarity.