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Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator in the United States is $40,888 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47,207
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,770 to $44,195
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,932
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salaries

An Assembly Worker /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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assembly Worker /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): $40,199
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $44,675
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,690
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $54,469
  • Expert (over 8 years): $79,137
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assembly Worker /Machine Operator less than 1 year $40,199
Machine Operator II 1-2 years $44,675
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $50,690
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $54,469
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $79,137

How Do Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assembly Worker /Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $45,271.
  • California: $45,099.
  • Massachusetts: $44,498.

Top Paying Cities for Assembly Worker /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:

  • San Jose: $51,572
  • San Francisco: $51,007
  • Oakland: $49,932

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

For Assembly Worker /Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Assembly Worker /Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assembly Worker /Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable $55,199 $27.0 35%
Financial Services $53,154 $26.0 30%
Media $51,110 $25.0 25%
Biotechnology $49,065 $24.0 20%
Insurance $47,021 $23.0 15%

How Education impacts an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Assembly Worker /Machine Operator professionals enter the field with a high school degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Assembly Worker /Machine Operator with a high school is between $37,041 and $39,424.

Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Assembly Worker /Machine Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 10.4%
High School 69.8%
Associate's Degree 12.5%
Bachelor's Degree 7.3%
Master's Degree or MBA 0%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Assembly Worker /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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$37,770
Average $40,888/year
$44,195
$3,148
Average $3,407/month
$3,683
$726
Average $786/week
$850
$18
Average $20/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $44,195 $3,683 $850 $21
Average $40,888 $3,407 $786 $20
25th Percentile $37,770 $3,148 $726 $18

Most common benefits for Assembly Worker /Machine Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Assembly Worker /Machine Operator

Here are companies hiring for Assembly Worker /Machine Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Assembly Worker /Machine Operator Job

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

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FAQ about Assembly Worker /Machine Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Assembly Worker /Machine Operator?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Assembly Worker /Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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