How much does a Machine Operator make?

The average salary for a Machine Operator is $38,516 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 29693 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Machine Operator employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Machine Operator in United States is $43,793 per year.

The lowest salary for a Machine Operator in United States is $33,982 per year.

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

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.

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When machine operators rated their personal salary satisfaction on Glassdoor, about 66% of them considered their salaries satisfactory overall. On top of their regular salary, machine operators can potentially make an additional $1,396.84 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 $30,384.77 and $49,145.76. On average, professionals earn an annual salary of $37,119.64 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.

About 65.83% of Machine Operator professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $1,397 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Machine Operator in United States as a good salary.

Machine Operator professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $30,385 and $49,146 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $38,516 following the average career path of a Machine Operator.