How much does an Operator make?

Updated Sep 15, 2022

Experience

Industry

$42,377 / yrTotal Pay
$40,041 / yrBase Pay
$2,336 / yrAdditional Pay

$42,377

 / yr
$30K$60K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range

The estimated total pay for a Operator is $42,377 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $40,041 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $2,336 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing. The "Most Likely Range" represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role.

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Total Pay Trajectory

For Operator

$42,377 /yr
Operator
$56,209 /yr
Senior Operator
$51,741 /yr
Operator IV
See Full Career Path

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Top Paying Companies

For an Operator in United States

Below is the total pay for the top 10 highest paying companies for an Operator in United States. Employers include SLB, Occidental Petroleum and ONEOK.

1
SLB
$144,281/yr
Total Pay Trajectory

For Operator

$42,377 /yr
Operator
$56,209 /yr
Senior Operator
$51,741 /yr
Operator IV

Download as data table

What are total pay estimates for an Operator at different companies?

or
Sort:
Company
Jobs
Total Pay Range
Phillips 66
3.5
OperatorSee 48 salaries from all locations

$76,351

 / yr

$25

 / hr

$30

 / hr

$74,562

 / yr

$72,406

 / yr

$20

 / hr

$46,035

 / yr

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$20

 / hr

$72,438

 / yr

$55,206

 / yr

$19

 / hr

$24

 / hr

$22

 / hr

$29

 / hr

$28

 / hr

$66,467

 / yr

$61,330

 / yr

$28

 / hr

$58,232

 / yr

$57,324

 / yr
Viewing 1 - 20 of 4,360

Top Paying Industries

For an Operator in United States

The top 5 paying industries for an Operator in United States are Energy, Mining & Utilities with a median total pay of $62,256, Information Technology with a median total pay of $57,819, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology with a median total pay of $57,727, Government & Public Administration with a median total pay of $53,532, and Telecommunications with a median total pay of $53,366.

IndustryTotal PayTotal Pay Insight
  • Energy, Mining & UtilitiesEnergy, Mining & Utilities$62,256

    16% Higher than other industries

  • Information TechnologyInformation Technology$57,819

    10% Higher than other industries

  • Pharmaceutical & BiotechnologyPharmaceutical & Biotechnology$57,727

    10% Higher than other industries

  • Government & Public AdministrationGovernment & Public Administration$53,532

    3% Higher than other industries

  • TelecommunicationsTelecommunications$53,366

    2% Higher than other industries

Energy, Mining & Utilities

Top paying companies in Energy, Mining & Utilities for Operator are SLB, Occidental Petroleum, and ONEOK.

SLBSLB$144,281/yr
ONEOKONEOK$84,747/yr

Glassdoor Economist Pay Overview

What is the pay outlook for Operations?

Operations roles are critical as employers navigate an increasingly global business environment. The rise of globalization and e-commerce mean supply chains and inventory management are increasingly important. The educational requirements for operations are increasing as data and technology become essential for managing complex operations. As demand for these skills and workers grows, pay should increase as well.

Recent Salaries Shared

For operator

Salary Share
Anonymously share your pay to help the community

Job Title

Location

Total Pay

Base Pay | Additional Pay

Total Years of Experience

Years at Recent Employer

Submitted

Date or Time

Inkjet Operator

United States of America

 | 7-9 years

$22

/hr

Submitted Yesterday

7-9 years
Yesterday
Slide Operator

United States of America

 | 1-3 years

$15

/hr

Submitted Yesterday

1-3 years
Yesterday
Dryer Operator

United States of America

 | <1 year

$12

/hr

Submitted Yesterday

<1 year
Yesterday
Plant Operator

United States of America

 | 4-6 years

$15

/hr

Submitted Yesterday

4-6 years
Yesterday
Peptone Operator

United States of America

 | 1-3 years

$21

/hr

Submitted Yesterday

1-3 years
Yesterday

Operator pay FAQ

The national average salary for an Operator is $40,041 per year in United States. Filter by location to see an Operator salaries in your area. Salaries estimates are based on 7108 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Operator employees.

The highest salary for an Operator in United States is $56,017 per year.

The lowest salary for an Operator in United States is $28,622 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Operator or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Operator.

Operators are paid salaries similar to that of other skilled workers including millwrights, welders, cutters, plumbers, tool makers, and medical equipment repairers. Operators who work in the manufacturing or construction sectors generally earn the highest pay. Operators’ pay generally raises with seniority and experience. Many manufacturing firms have two to three shifts varying between eight to twelve hours in length. This schedule allows them to produce around the clock. Operators can increase their pay by working multiple shifts.

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Join thousands of real professionals anonymously talking about salaries in their industry

68% of operators feel good about their annual salaries, according to anonymous employee ratings. Professional training, industry knowledge and skill, and a respectable amount of experience all impact operator salary. Through bonuses and profit sharing, there's also the potential to earn an extra $2,335.83 annually.

Join thousands of real professionals anonymously talking about salaries in their industry

Operator salary generally lands between $29,974.96 and $60,300.60, with $40,043.42 being the average compensation for operators of all experience levels. Based on the [operator career path](https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/how-to-become-operator_KO14,22.htm), experience, location, and industry are often the biggest factors for salary. Once you've mastered in-demand skills and shown employers your value, you may be eligible to apply for senior-level operator roles.

Learn more about negotiating salaries from thousands of other real professionals

Your role, and therefore your salary as an operator, will vary widely based on the equipment you operate and the setting you work in. Rapid-paced outdoor lumber yards operate much differently than handling equipment in corporate or luxury settings, for example, but they feature more flexible scheduling and travel than 9 to 5 positions, which often pay more. Advance in the industry that interests you and matches your skill set, and grow from there. As a professional, you should stay up-to-date with technology and continuously improve your operating skills over time. Licenses, certifications, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) all impact the income you make in your chosen career path.

Operator roles have more to offer than salary. You can work signing and annual bonuses, as well as valuable perks, such as commuter benefits, car allowances, and vacation time, into the deal. You'll have more bargaining power with more experience in your chosen industry, but negotiating is also about what you're willing to put into the role. Whether you're responding to a job offer or are ready for a raise, ask what's required of you at this salary range and experience level, and how you can work for that higher operator pay. Taking on more or higher-level tasks and working in benefits can help both parties reach a great deal.