Machine Operator Salaries
How much does a Machine Operator make?
Total pay range
$43K - $60K/yr
$51K/yrMedian total pay
Pay breakdown
$38K - $50K/yrBase pay
$5K - $10K/yrAdditional pay
About our data
Confident
The “Most Likely Range” reflects values within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role. Glassdoor salaries are powered by our proprietary machine learning model, which utilizes salaries collected from our users and the latest government data to make pay predictions.
How accurate is a total pay range of $43K-$60K/yr?
Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.
Total pay trajectory
Popular companies for Machine Operators
12,933 companies
12,933 Popular companies with Machine Operator
Viewing 1 - 5 of 12933 Results
See what insiders are saying about pay
Top paying industries
The top 5 paying industries for a 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.
Top paying companies in Government & Public Administration for Machine Operator are US Department of Treasury, US Navy, and US Army.
The top paying company in Insurance for Machine Operator is Farmers Insurance Group.
Top paying companies in Aerospace & Defense for Machine Operator are Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, and RTX.
Top paying companies in Energy, Mining & Utilities for Machine Operator are Kinder Morgan, SunCoke Energy, and Weatherford.
Government & Public Administration
$52,793
Government & Public Administration
Top paying companies in Government & Public Administration for Machine Operator are US Department of Treasury, US Navy, and US Army.
Insurance
$49,530
Government & Public Administration
Top paying companies in Government & Public Administration for Machine Operator are US Department of Treasury, US Navy, and US Army.
Aerospace & Defense
$46,575
Government & Public Administration
Top paying companies in Government & Public Administration for Machine Operator are US Department of Treasury, US Navy, and US Army.
Energy, Mining & Utilities
$46,450
Government & Public Administration
Top paying companies in Government & Public Administration for Machine Operator are US Department of Treasury, US Navy, and US Army.
Telecommunications
$45,968
Government & Public Administration
Top paying companies in Government & Public Administration for Machine Operator are US Department of Treasury, US Navy, and US Army.
Recent salaries shared by Machine Operator
50 salaries
Job Title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Location
Date submitted
Job Title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Machine Operator
1-3 years
$37K - $43K/yr
Forney, TX
submitted on Jul 8, 2026
$37K - $43K/yr
Machine Operator
10-14 years
$33K - $38K/yr
Hazel Park, MI
submitted on Jul 7, 2026
$33K - $38K/yr
Machine Operator
4-6 years
$41K - $47K/yr
Cullman, AL
submitted on Jul 7, 2026
$41K - $47K/yr
Machine Operator
1-3 years
$36K - $42K/yr
Ann Arbor, MI
submitted on Jul 7, 2026
$36K - $42K/yr
Machine Operator
4-6 years
$31K - $36K/yr
Las Vegas, NV
submitted on Jul 7, 2026
$31K - $36K/yr
Anonymously share your salary to help the community.
Machine Operator
10-14 years
$43K - $50K/yr
Carson City, NV
submitted on Jul 7, 2026
$43K - $50K/yr
Machine Operator
1-3 years
$42K - $48K/yr
Lakeland, FL
submitted on Jul 7, 2026
$42K - $48K/yr
Machine Operator
4-6 years
$37K - $43K/yr
Saint Louis, MO
submitted on Jul 6, 2026
$37K - $43K/yr
Machine Operator
4-6 years
$74K - $86K/yr
Detroit, MI
submitted on Jul 6, 2026
$74K - $86K/yr
Machine Operator
4-6 years
$42K - $49K/yr
Lancaster, PA
submitted on Jul 6, 2026
$42K - $49K/yr
Viewing 1 - 10 of 50
Glassdoor Economist Pay Overview
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.Show more
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.Show more
Frequently asked questions about Machine Operator salaries
How much does a Machine Operator in United States make?
The average salary for a Machine Operator is $50,523 per year or $24 per hour in United States, which is in line with the national average. Top earners have reported making up to $69,696 (90th percentile). However, the typical pay range in United States is between $43,056 (25th percentile) and $59,913 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 37251 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Machine Operator employees in United States as of July 2026.
What is the highest salary for a Machine Operator in United States?
The highest salary for a Machine Operator in United States is $59,913 per year, $4,993 per month or $29 per hour.
What is the lowest salary for a Machine Operator in United States?
The lowest salary for a Machine Operator in United States is $43,056 per year, $3,588 per month or $21 per hour.
What is the salary trajectory of a Machine Operator?
The salary trajectory of a Machine Operator ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $49,346 per year (estimate) and goes up to $52,417 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
What is the Salary Trend for Machine Operators?
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.
Powered by Glassdoor Economic Research
Do Machine Operators Make Good Money in United States?
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 $7,083.50 through overtime and profit sharing.
How Much Does a Machine Operator Make Over Time in United States?
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 $37,369.76 and $69,696.24. On average, professionals earn an annual salary of $43,439.95 following the profession's typical career path.
How to Make More Money as a Machine Operator
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.
How to Negotiate a Higher Salary as a Machine Operator
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.