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Job outlook for general machine operators in the United States
General machine operator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected general machine operator job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 56,900 new jobs for general machine operators are projected over the next decade.
General machine operator salaries have increased 15% for general machine operators in the last 5 years.
There are over 554,801 general machine operators currently employed in the United States.
There are 138,111 active general machine operator job openings in the US.
The average general machine operator salary is $32,414.
Are general machine operator jobs in demand?
Yes, general machine operator jobs are in demand. General machine operator demand is projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028.
General machine operator job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of general machine operator jobs and the average general machine operator salary over time.
General machine operator jobs over time
General machine operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 554,801 | 0.16% |
| 2020 | 531,765 | 0.16% |
| 2019 | 550,510 | 0.16% |
| 2018 | 551,611 | 0.17% |
| 2017 | 532,042 | 0.16% |
Average general machine operator salary over time
General machine operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,414 | $15.58 | +5.3% |
| 2024 | $30,776 | $14.80 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $29,951 | $14.40 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $29,147 | $14.01 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $28,094 | $13.51 | +4.5% |
General machine operator jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of general machine operator job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where general machine operators earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average salary: Job openings:
Most common states for general machine operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 255 | 37% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,036 | 30% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 397 | 30% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 280 | 26% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 195 | 26% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 433 | 23% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 209 | 22% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,670 | 21% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 271 | 20% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 143 | 19% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,599 | 18% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,061 | 18% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 752 | 18% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 103 | 17% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 947 | 16% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 592 | 16% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 143 | 16% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,081 | 15% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 828 | 15% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 266 | 15% |
Most common cities for general machine operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stoughton | 2 | 7% | $31,618 |
| 2 | Bowling Green | 2 | 6% | $33,461 |
| 3 | Petersburg | 2 | 6% | $27,045 |
| 4 | Dalton | 1 | 3% | $27,654 |
| 5 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $31,373 |
| 6 | Allentown | 1 | 1% | $34,331 |
| 7 | Canton | 1 | 1% | $33,295 |
| 8 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $31,296 |
| 9 | Cincinnati | 1 | 0% | $31,669 |
| 10 | Cleveland | 1 | 0% | $33,742 |
| 11 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $30,840 |