Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of machine operators that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of machine operators:
-
Press Machine Operator is the highest-paid type of machine operator with an average salary of $37,759 and an average hourly rate of $18.15.
-
The second highest-paying type of machine operator is welder-machine operator, with an average salary of $37,171.
-
The average machine operator salary is $32,874 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.80.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a machine operator, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of machine operators are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of machine operators:
-
Press Machine Operator
Average Salary: $37,759
-
Welder-Machine Operator
Average Salary: $37,171
-
Machine Operator/Machinist
Average Salary: $36,271
-
Lining Machine Operator
Average Salary: $36,213
-
Machine Set Up Operator
Average Salary: $35,823
Below is a full table of the average pay for various machine operator that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Machine Operators
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for machine operators.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Machine Operator Jobs FAQs
-
What is the highest-paid machine operator job?
The highest-paid machine operator job is a press machine operator. Press Machine Operators earn an average salary of $37,759, which is $ 18.15 hourly.
-
What is a good salary for a machine operator?
A good salary for a machine operator is $32,874 or more. The average machine operator salary is $32,874, so those making at least $32,874 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average machine operator salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a machine operator, the average entry level salary is $24,968, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $32,874 average, as this includes all machine operators of all skill and experience levels.
-
Do Machine Operator jobs pay well?
No, machine operator jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some machine operator jobs pay better than others, but the average machine operator salary of $32,874 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many machine operator jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of machine operators earning $38,722 a year on average.
Machine Operators’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a machine operator. Do your research on the going rate for a machine operator in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
-
Where do machine operators get paid the most?
Machine Operators get paid the most in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, machine operators earn an average annual salary of $35,869 and an average hourly wage of $17.24.
Following WI, the states with the highest-paid machine operators are Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, with average annual salaries of $36,966, $34,945, and $34,607 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid machine operator salaries are:
-
Minneapolis, MN – $37,003
-
Green Bay, WI – $36,213
-
Kent, WA – $35,702
-
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
