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 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 operators:
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Foreman/Operator is the highest-paid type of operator with an average salary of $52,844 and an average hourly rate of $25.41.
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The second highest-paying type of operator is truck operator, with an average salary of $39,608.
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The average operator salary is $37,928 per year, and the average hourly pay is $18.23.
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 an operator, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of operators are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of operators:
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Foreman/Operator
Average Salary: $52,844
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Truck Operator
Average Salary: $39,608
Truck Operators are individuals making a living by driving trucks and heavy goods vehicles such as articulated trucks, semi-trailers, and tankers. They are responsible for administering goods, loading and unloading into the truck, assessing the goods conditions, scheduling transport operations, arranging transport documentations, and inspecting vehicle conditions before starting work. Other duties include checking tires, fuel, oil filters, and oil levels. Truck Operators also supervise delivery operations, vehicle cleaning, tire maintenance, and refueling.
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Mill Operator
Average Salary: $39,045
Mill operators are skilled employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that grind materials such as rocks or chemicals at a milling facility. These operators must gather raw materials for production and assist with the inventory of all materials. They must operate a wide variety of equipment such as power saws, sanders, drill press, and basic hand tools while performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on the milling machines. Mill operators must also attend safety meetings that are held weekly and monthly to ensure machine operators are following safety procedures.
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Utility Operator
Average Salary: $38,693
Utility Operators are skilled employees who work with different machines, fixtures, and equipment. They operate a number of machines related to the maintenance of office facilities. Such machines include wastewater filtration systems, manufacturing equipment, and cabling works, among others. They also manage water pipes, machine gauges, and electrical cables. Utility Operators manage the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of industrial machines. They should know how to check whether the machines or equipment are working properly. When equipped with the proper tools and knowledge, they may also conduct repairs on the different machines they handle.
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Grinder Operator
Average Salary: $37,978
Grinding machines are used to crush and grind the outer or inner cylindrical or tapered surfaces of metal surfaces. A grinder operator is someone who sets up and operates grinding machines. You are expected to follow specified instructions and charts while carrying out grinding operations. Your duties may also involve selecting the right kind of cutting tools to use while performing a procedure.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various operator that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Operators
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foreman/Operator | |
| 2 | Truck Operator | |
| 3 | Mill Operator | |
| 4 | Utility Operator | |
| 5 | Grinder Operator | |
| 6 | Cell Operator | |
| 7 | Assistant Operator | |
| 8 | Loader Operator | |
| 9 | Maintenance Operator | |
| 10 | Production Operator | |
| 11 | Line Operator | |
| 12 | Forklift Operator | |
| 13 | Labour Operator | |
| 14 | Equipment Operator/Labour | |
| 15 | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| 16 | General Machine Operator | |
| 17 | Saw Operator | |
| 18 | Lift Operator | |
| 19 | Fork Truck Operator | |
| 20 | Equipment Operator |
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 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 Operator Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid operator job?
The highest-paid operator job is a foreman/operator. Foreman/Operators earn an average salary of $52,844, which is $ 25.41 hourly.
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What is a good salary for an operator?
A good salary for an operator is $37,928 or more. The average operator salary is $37,928, so those making at least $37,928 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average 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 an operator, the average entry level salary is $33,448, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $37,928 average, as this includes all operators of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Operator jobs pay well?
No, operator jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some operator jobs pay better than others, but the average operator salary of $37,928 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many operator jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of operators earning $44,859 a year on average.
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 an operator. Do your research on the going rate for an operator in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do operators get paid the most?
Operators get paid the most in Wyoming. In Wyoming, operators earn an average annual salary of $43,951 and an average hourly wage of $21.13.
Following WY, the states with the highest-paid operators are Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington, with average annual salaries of $46,205, $43,652, and $47,937 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid operator salaries are:
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San Jose, CA – $53,920
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Fargo, ND – $49,704
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Seattle, WA – $48,348
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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.
