How much does a Machine Operator make in the United States?
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The average Machine Operator salary in the United States is $49,579 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Machine Operator positions (listed below) typically falls between $26,694 and $72,464. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Machine Operator's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Machine Operator IV | $65,152 | $31.32 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Machine Operator III | $56,849 | $27.33 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Machine Operator I | $42,972 | $20.66 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Machine Operator II | $49,596 | $23.84 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Packaging Machine Operator II | $47,756 | $22.96 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Packaging Machine Operator I | $41,133 | $19.78 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Packaging Machine Operator III | $54,717 | $26.31 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Injection Molding Machine Operator II | $52,792 | $25.38 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Tire Machine Operator | $34,488 | $16.58 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Wood Machine Operator | $35,590 | $17.11 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
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Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Controls and adjusts machine settings to complete more complex tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. May assist with training other machine operators. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience. View Machine Operator IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Manufacturing Machine Operator IV, Production Machine Operator IV, Machine Operator IVCategory : Skilled and Trades
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Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Controls and adjusts machine settings to complete more complex tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. May assist with training other machine operators. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience. View Machine Operator III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Manufacturing Machine Operator III, Production Machine Operator III, Senior Machine Operator, Machine Operator IIICategory : Skilled and Trades
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Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Controls and adjusts machine settings to complete simple tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience. View Machine Operator I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Machine Operator, Manufacturing Machine Operator I, Production Machine Operator I, Machine Operator I
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Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Controls and adjusts machine settings to complete routine tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. View Machine Operator II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Machine Operator, Manufacturing Machine Operator II, Production Machine Operator II, Machine Operator IICategory : Skilled and Trades
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Sets up and operates a packaging machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Fills, secures, and labels containers according to company and/or customer specifications. Verifies goods packaged against package invoices. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Documents inventory number and weight and organizes packages. May make minor repairs to packaging equipment as. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. View Packaging Machine Operator II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Automated Packager Operator II, Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator, Packaging Machine Operator II
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Sets up and operates a packaging machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Fills, secures, and labels containers according to company and/or customer specifications. Verifies goods packaged against package invoices. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Documents inventory number and weight, and organizes packages. May make minor repairs to packaging equipment as needed. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience. View Packaging Machine Operator I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Automated Packager Operator I, Entry Packaging Machine Operator, Packaging Machine Operator I
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Sets up and operates a packaging machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Fills, secures, and labels containers according to company and/or customer specifications. Verifies goods packaged against package invoices. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Documents inventory number and weight and organizes packages. May make minor repairs to packaging equipment as needed. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience. View Packaging Machine Operator III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Automated Packager Operator III, Senior Packaging Machine Operator, Packaging Machine Operator III
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Sets up and operates injection molding machinery to shape plastics. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position, and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. View Injection Molding Machine Operator II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Plastic Injection Molding Operator II, Injection Molding Machine Operator II
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Sets-up and operates machine to re-groove tread surface of pneumatic tires. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. View Tire Machine Operator SalaryCategory : Skilled and Trades
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Sets-up and operates a wood machine. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. View Wood Machine Operator SalaryCategory : Skilled and Trades