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Assistant Machine Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Assistant Machine Operator make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Machine Operator in the United States is $41,329 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47,716
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,178 to $44,672
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,309
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Machine Operator Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Machine Operator Salaries

An Assistant 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 Assistant Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant 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): $40,633
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,157
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $51,237
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $55,057
  • Expert (over 8 years): $79,991
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assistant Machine Operator less than 1 year $40,633
Machine Operator II 1-2 years $45,157
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $51,237
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $55,057
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $79,991

How Do Assistant 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 Assistant Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $45,760.
  • California: $45,586.
  • Massachusetts: $44,978.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant 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: $52,128
  • San Francisco: $51,558
  • Oakland: $50,471

Assistant Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant 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, Assistant Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable $55,794 $27.0 35%
Financial Services $53,728 $26.0 30%
Media $51,661 $25.0 25%
Biotechnology $49,595 $24.0 20%
Insurance $47,528 $23.0 15%

How Education impacts an Assistant Machine Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Assistant 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 Assistant Machine Operator with a high school is between $37,041 and $39,424.

Assistant Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Assistant 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

Assistant Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant 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
$38,178
Average $41,329/year
$44,672
$3,181
Average $3,444/month
$3,723
$734
Average $795/week
$859
$18
Average $20/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $44,672 $3,723 $859 $21
Average $41,329 $3,444 $795 $20
25th Percentile $38,178 $3,181 $734 $18

Most common benefits for Assistant Machine Operator

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

Common company salaries for Assistant Machine Operator

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

Find Your Next Assistant Machine Operator Job

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

  • Trillium Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator

    Trillium Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Trillium Staffing - - Responsibilities: Operate punch presses to fabricate copper bar. Read blueprints and specifications. Use measuring and inspection too... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Synerfac Technical Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator

    Synerfac Technical Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Join a growing team in Columbus, Ohio and build your future with a company shaping the automotive industry through precis... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Luxor Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator

    Luxor Staffing | Columbus, OH

    2756 S Hamilton Rd - [Equipment Operator] - Weekly Pay (Direct Deposit/Onsite Check Delivery) / ACA Compliant Healthcare Benefits (Dental + Vision Coverage... more

    9 Days Ago

  • PrideStaff | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator

    PrideStaff | Columbus, OH

    PrideStaff - - Responsibilities: Operate and troubleshoot production machines to meet daily output goals. Inspect finished products for quality and adheren... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Aerotek | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator

    Aerotek | Columbus, OH

    Aerotek - - Responsibilities: Operate wire mesh production equipment. Set up machines for production runs. Read blueprints and technical drawings. Perform ... more

    7 Days Ago

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FAQ about Assistant Machine Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Assistant Machine Operator?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Assistant 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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