▼14%
$17.12
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$13.16
MEDIAN
$17.12
90%
$21.35
The average hourly pay for a Machine Operator is $17.12 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$13 - $21
Bonus
$105 - $3k
Profit Sharing
$0 - $221
Total Pay
$27k - $45k
Is Average Early-Career Machine Operator with Quality Assurance / Quality Control Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Machine Operators?
What Do Machine Operators Do?
Machine Operator Tasks
- Load, position, and arrange materials and operate equipment to create products.
- Communicate irregularities, problems, and process concerns.
- Calibrate equipment to produce the correct specification of products.
- Monitor supplies and inventory, and ensure adequate amount of materials ready at hand.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Machine Operator
Medical
69%
Dental
68%
Vision
57%
None
30%
Gender Breakdown for Machine Operators
Male
74.0%
Female
26.0%
This data is based on 96 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Machine Operators
What is the highest pay for Machine Operators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Machine Operator is $21.35 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Machine Operators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Machine Operator is $13.16 / hour
How can Machine Operators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Machine Operator is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Machine Operator that oversees more junior Machine Operators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.