Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salary in Illinois

How much does an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator make in Illinois? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator in Illinois is $47,523 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,567
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,079 to $52,781
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,033

Key Factors That Influence Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salaries

An Assembly Technician/Machine Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $41,775
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,428
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $52,683
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,599
  • Expert (over 8 years): $82,256
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $41,775
Assembly Technician/Machine Operator 1-2 years $46,428
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $52,683
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $56,599
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $82,256

Top Paying Cities for Assembly Technician/Machine Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Effingham: $43,807
  • Saint Peter: $43,747
  • Salem: $43,913

Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assembly Technician/Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Assembly Technician/Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assembly Technician/Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $61,780 $30.0 30%
Insurance $59,404 $29.0 25%
Construction $57,028 $27.0 20%
Financial Services $54,652 $26.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $52,275 $25.0 10%

Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assembly Technician/Machine Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$43,079
Average $47,523/year
$52,781
$3,590
Average $3,960/month
$4,398
$828
Average $914/week
$1,015
$21
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $52,781 $4,398 $1,015 $25
Average $47,523 $3,960 $914 $23
25th Percentile $43,079 $3,590 $828 $21

Find Your Next Assembly Technician/Machine Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assembly Technician/Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Kelly Services, Inc. | Elgin, IL

    Kelly Services, Inc. | Elgin, IL

    Kelly Services, Inc. Responsibilities: Assemble components and wiring per instructions. Scan work orders and parts. Attach labels and components. Operate t... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Ingersoll Rand | Alsip, IL

    Ingersoll Rand | Alsip, IL

    Ingersoll Rand is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color,... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Timken - Aurora Bearing | Montgomery, IL

    Timken - Aurora Bearing | Montgomery, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. What Timken makes possible begins with you. Those who came before us helped land a man on the moon, create the world's in... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Superior Staffing | Elk Grove Village, IL

    Superior Staffing | Elk Grove Village, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Superior Staffing is seeking for seeking a Machine Operator, Soldering, Assembly, Kitter, Inspectors to join our team. Fo... more

    10 Days Ago

  • North American Lighting | Salem, IL

    North American Lighting | Salem, IL

    Operator - All Shifts (Assembly)North American Lighting Inc., member of the Koito Group of Companies, is the largest tier one automotive exterior lighting ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • North American Lighting | Flora, IL

    North American Lighting | Flora, IL

    Operator - All Shifts (Assembly)North American Lighting Inc., member of the Koito Group of Companies, is the largest tier one automotive exterior lighting ... more

    9 Days Ago

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