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The role of a Filter Operator involves overseeing the filtration processes in various industries, from manufacturing to food processing. As of October 2025, the average salary stands at $37,250 annually. However, salaries can fluctuate based on several factors:
For instance, filter operators in California may earn more than their counterparts in less populated states due to demand and cost of living. To maximize earning potential, aspiring filter operators should consider entering sectors that require specialized skills and certifications. Regularly reviewing job listings can also help identify lucrative opportunities within this field.
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The highest-paying states for filter operators are Washington, Nevada, and Idaho. The lowest average filter operator salary states are Missouri, Rhode Island, and Florida.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $44,868 | $21.57 |
| 2 | Idaho | $44,342 | $21.32 |
| 3 | Iowa | $43,608 | $20.97 |
| 4 | Michigan | $43,426 | $20.88 |
| 5 | Illinois | $43,879 | $21.10 |
| 6 | Washington | $45,508 | $21.88 |
| 7 | Arizona | $42,590 | $20.48 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $44,335 | $21.31 |
| 9 | Kansas | $42,326 | $20.35 |
| 10 | Texas | $41,631 | $20.01 |
| 11 | New Mexico | $42,012 | $20.20 |
| 12 | Connecticut | $43,516 | $20.92 |
| 13 | New Hampshire | $42,414 | $20.39 |
| 14 | New York | $44,158 | $21.23 |
| 15 | Massachusetts | $42,667 | $20.51 |
| 16 | Oklahoma | $40,782 | $19.61 |
| 17 | Tennessee | $40,327 | $19.39 |
| 18 | Montana | $41,941 | $20.16 |
| 19 | Maine | $41,219 | $19.82 |
| 20 | Ohio | $40,249 | $19.35 |
| 21 | Arkansas | $40,413 | $19.43 |
| 22 | Vermont | $42,477 | $20.42 |
| 23 | Maryland | $43,529 | $20.93 |
| 24 | West Virginia | $39,658 | $19.07 |
| 25 | North Dakota | $40,243 | $19.35 |
| 26 | Louisiana | $40,580 | $19.51 |
| 27 | Virginia | $41,425 | $19.92 |
| 28 | Alaska | $41,782 | $20.09 |
| 29 | Georgia | $39,807 | $19.14 |
| 30 | North Carolina | $39,942 | $19.20 |
| 31 | Hawaii | $41,630 | $20.01 |
| 32 | Kentucky | $38,724 | $18.62 |
| 33 | Oregon | $41,114 | $19.77 |
| 34 | Utah | $39,017 | $18.76 |
| 35 | Minnesota | $39,568 | $19.02 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $38,936 | $18.72 |
| 37 | California | $40,541 | $19.49 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $37,442 | $18.00 |
| 39 | Colorado | $38,512 | $18.52 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $36,398 | $17.50 |
| 41 | Alabama | $35,813 | $17.22 |
| 42 | Nebraska | $36,074 | $17.34 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $35,329 | $16.99 |
| 44 | District of Columbia | $35,579 | $17.11 |
| 45 | Wisconsin | $35,490 | $17.06 |
| 46 | Delaware | $35,872 | $17.25 |
| 47 | Missouri | $35,346 | $16.99 |
| 48 | Indiana | $34,485 | $16.58 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $34,159 | $16.42 |
| 50 | Florida | $35,067 | $16.86 |
| 51 | Wyoming | $24,639 | $11.85 |
The highest-paying cities for filter operators are Bridgewater, NJ, New Iberia, LA, and White Castle, LA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgewater, NJ | $44,300 | $21.30 |
| 2 | New Iberia, LA | $40,635 | $19.54 |
| 3 | White Castle, LA | $40,574 | $19.51 |
A filter operator's salary ranges from $25,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $53,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $25 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| Average | $37,250 | $3,104 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
The highest paying types of filter operators are putter out, wine maker, and heavy media operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Relief Operator | $42,693 | $3,558 | $20.53 | 64,469 |
Top companies hiring filter operators now:
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Water | $40,306 | $19.38 |
| 2 | Cora Texas Mfg Co | $38,349 | $18.44 |
| 3 | Alma Restaurant | $31,546 | $15.17 |
The average filter operator salary varies across industries:
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Retail | $43,794 | $21.05 |
| 2 | Professional | $39,273 | $18.88 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $37,016 | $17.80 |
| 4 | Hospitality | $32,056 | $15.41 |
The average filter operator salary has risen by $4,650 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average filter operator earned $32,600 annually, but today, they earn $37,250 a year. That works out to a 12% change in pay for filter operators over the last decade.
Compare filter operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare filter operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,300 | $17.91 | +4.1% |
| 2024 | $35,700 | $17.17 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $35,300 | $16.96 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $33,700 | $16.22 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $33,200 | $15.94 | -0.2% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker-Hannifin, Corporation | Operator-Pleater Filters (3RD Shift) | Metamora, OH | 06/05/2025 | $36,523 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | Filter Design-Summer/Fall Co-Op | Greensboro, NC | 02/08/2025 | $54,262 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | Filter Design-Summer/Fall Co-Op 2025 | Irvine, CA | 02/08/2025 | $54,262 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | Filter Design-Summer/Fall Co-Op | Greensboro, NC | 01/28/2025 | $54,262 |
| Tree Top | Filter Operator | Prosser, WA | 12/15/2024 | $40,258 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | RF Filter Design-Summer/Fall Co-Op 2025 | San Jose, CA | 11/20/2024 | $54,262 |
| Constellation Brands Inc. | Cellar Filter Operator-Mission Bell Winery | Madera, CA | 10/23/2024 | $59,876 |
| Information We Collect and | Cellar Filter Operator-Mission Bell Winery | Madera, CA | 10/23/2024 | $59,876 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | RF Filter Design-Summer/Fall Co-Op 2025 | Irvine, CA | 10/05/2024 | $54,262 |
| Skyworks | RF Filter Design-Summer/Fall Co-Op 2025 | San Jose, CA | 10/05/2024 | $54,262 |
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