What is the pay outlook for Skilled Labor & Manufacturing?
Skilled labor jobs like manufacturing, construction and warehousing are in high demand. Warehousing and logistics jobs are projected to grow rapidly with the growth of e-commerce and often pay higher salaries than other jobs that don't require a college degree. While a college degree is not generally required, training in new skills or earning certifications and licenses can be a way to earn a higher salary. While job opportunities are projected to grow, automation remains a risk to the long-term job outlook.
Machine Operator salary in US
A Machine Operator salary range in US can vary based on important factors such as education, skills, certifications, and years of experience. A Machine Operator in US can expect to see an entry level salary range of $24,119 to $48,240 per year, based on 5 salary contributions. At the highest seniority level, an experienced Machine Operator in US can make a salary range of $26,161 to $60,552 with at least 5 years of experience, based on 5 salary contributions. The top 3 companies in US where a Machine Operator gets the highest compensation are PepsiCo, Inc., Republic Services, Inc. and Epsilon Data Management, LLC.. Bigger companies typically pay 7.22% more than smaller companies for a Machine Operator.
Recent salaries shared by Machine Operator
50 salaries
Job Title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Location
Date submitted
Job Title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$35K - $41K/yr
New York, NY
submitted on Jul 10, 2026
$35K - $41K/yr
Machine Operator
|
7-9 years
$64K - $74K/yr
Perry, FL
submitted on Jul 10, 2026
$64K - $74K/yr
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$29K - $34K/yr
Meadville, PA
submitted on Jul 10, 2026
$29K - $34K/yr
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$29K - $34K/yr
Dallas-Fort Worth
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$29K - $34K/yr
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$35K - $41K/yr
Middleville, MI
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$35K - $41K/yr
Anonymously share your salary to help the community.
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$35K - $41K/yr
Middleville, MI
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$35K - $41K/yr
Machine Operator
|
15+ years
$44K - $52K/yr
New Ulm, MN
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$44K - $52K/yr
Machine Operator
|
4-6 years
$31K - $36K/yr
Terre Haute, IN
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$31K - $36K/yr
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$35K - $41K/yr
McKinney, TX
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$35K - $41K/yr
Machine Operator
|
1-3 years
$49K - $57K/yr
Kentwood, MI
submitted on Jul 9, 2026
$49K - $57K/yr
Viewing 11 - 20 of 50
Top paying industries
The top 5 paying industries for Machine Operator in United States are Government & Public Administration with a median total pay of $52,793, Insurance with a median total pay of $49,530, Aerospace & Defense with a median total pay of $46,575, Energy, Mining & Utilities with a median total pay of $46,450, and Telecommunications with a median total pay of $45,968.
Frequently asked questions about Machine Operator salaries
The average salary for Machine Operator is $50,519 per year or $24 per hour, with top earners making up to $69,670 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $43,058 (25th percentile) to $59,899 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 37276 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Machine Operator employees.
The highest salary for Machine Operator is $59,899 per year, $4,992 per month or $29 per hour.
The lowest salary for Machine Operator is $43,058 per year, $3,588 per month or $21 per hour.
The salary trajectory of Machine Operator ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $49,352 per year (estimate) and goes up to $52,411 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Machine operators are paid salaries similar to that of other skilled workers including millwrights, welders, cutters, plumbers, tool makers, and medical equipment repairers. Machine operators who work in the manufacturing or construction sectors generally earn higher pay than those who work in commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance roles. Machine operator pay generally raises with seniority and experience.
When machine operators rated their personal salary satisfaction on Glassdoor, about 65% of them considered their salaries satisfactory overall. On top of their regular salary, machine operators can potentially make an additional $7,070.74 through overtime and profit sharing.
As a machine operator, you'll learn the ins and outs of operating various machinery and equipment while you build your professional credibility by spending time in the role. After about eight years of experience, you can expect a machine operator salary ranging between $37,376.36 and $69,670.33. On average, professionals earn an annual salary of $43,448.11 following the profession's typical career path.
Since no formal education is required for machine operator positions, you'll learn all you need to know on the job. You'll earn higher pay by putting your all into the role, mastering the use of varying supplies, equipment, and machines, and standing apart from your fellow employees by honing in-demand skills. Troubleshooting, leadership, dexterity, and attention to detail are vital to the role, and you should know how to manage each machine quickly, easily, and efficiently. As you gain more experience and skills, your machine operator salary will rise accordingly. Location and industry also have an impact on earnings, so do your research before pursuing any particular role.
You have space to negotiate salary as a machine operator, but you'll need to analyze the market and your qualifications first. What is the average machine operator salary in your area and in your industry? What are those with similar levels of experience and training making? Combine this number with your employer's salary range for machine operator roles. After a job offer, previous experience in the industry gives you the most bargaining power, but in an existing position, you'll need concrete proof of how you've worked toward higher pay, such as taking on extra hours or tasks. Always negotiate your full compensation package, including benefits.