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Loading machine operator salary
Average loading machine operator salary
$35,488
Understanding Loading Machine Operator Salaries
The role of a Loading Machine Operator is crucial in various industries, involving the operation of machinery to load materials. As of October 2025, the average salary for this position is $35,488 per year, translating to $17 per hour. Factors impacting these figures include geographic location, years of experience, and specific industries.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level positions typically start at lower pay, while those with several years of experience can earn significantly more. For instance, operators with five to ten years of experience can see salaries rise to around $40,000 annually.
Highest Paying States and Cities
Regions with high demand for Loading Machine Operators often offer higher salaries. States like California and New York are known for competitive compensation. Major cities, including New York City and Los Angeles, frequently provide the best opportunities for higher earnings.
Exploring Job Opportunities
For those seeking a rewarding career, the demand for Loading Machine Operators is expected to grow. Check local job listings to find opportunities that match your skills and desired salary.
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Where can a Loading Machine Operator earn more?
Loading machine operator salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level loading machine operator | $27,000 | $12.96 |
| Mid-level loading machine operator | $34,400 | $16.54 |
| Senior-level loading machine operator | $41,800 | $20.10 |
Average loading machine operator salary by state
The highest-paying states for loading machine operators are Hawaii, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The lowest average loading machine operator salary states are Nebraska, Alabama, and Mississippi.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for loading machine operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania | $48,150 | $23.15 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $43,892 | $21.10 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $42,604 | $20.48 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $48,802 | $23.46 |
| 5 | Maryland | $43,854 | $21.08 |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $40,815 | $19.62 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $42,629 | $20.49 |
| 8 | North Carolina | $42,262 | $20.32 |
| 9 | Hawaii | $52,506 | $25.24 |
| 10 | Ohio | $37,756 | $18.15 |
| 11 | Delaware | $44,456 | $21.37 |
| 12 | District of Columbia | $43,147 | $20.74 |
| 13 | Indiana | $36,742 | $17.66 |
| 14 | Wisconsin | $35,721 | $17.17 |
| 15 | South Carolina | $37,074 | $17.82 |
| 16 | Maine | $38,089 | $18.31 |
| 17 | Minnesota | $37,629 | $18.09 |
| 18 | Texas | $38,225 | $18.38 |
| 19 | New York | $42,488 | $20.43 |
| 20 | Kentucky | $35,890 | $17.25 |
| 21 | California | $40,723 | $19.58 |
| 22 | Georgia | $35,479 | $17.06 |
| 23 | Arizona | $37,085 | $17.83 |
| 24 | Illinois | $35,276 | $16.96 |
| 25 | Vermont | $34,919 | $16.79 |
| 26 | Tennessee | $32,492 | $15.62 |
| 27 | Nevada | $36,206 | $17.41 |
| 28 | Missouri | $34,543 | $16.61 |
| 29 | North Dakota | $34,624 | $16.65 |
| 30 | Kansas | $34,329 | $16.50 |
| 31 | Washington | $36,787 | $17.69 |
| 32 | Michigan | $33,448 | $16.08 |
| 33 | Florida | $34,573 | $16.62 |
| 34 | West Virginia | $33,653 | $16.18 |
| 35 | Alaska | $31,610 | $15.20 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $31,086 | $14.95 |
| 37 | Oregon | $34,389 | $16.53 |
| 38 | Virginia | $35,786 | $17.20 |
| 39 | Iowa | $30,225 | $14.53 |
| 40 | Utah | $31,023 | $14.91 |
| 41 | Nebraska | $29,163 | $14.02 |
| 42 | Arkansas | $30,434 | $14.63 |
| 43 | Idaho | $32,369 | $15.56 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $32,271 | $15.51 |
| 45 | New Mexico | $32,683 | $15.71 |
| 46 | Colorado | $32,825 | $15.78 |
| 47 | Mississippi | $28,817 | $13.85 |
| 48 | Alabama | $29,037 | $13.96 |
| 49 | Montana | $28,000 | $13.46 |
| 50 | Oklahoma | $27,199 | $13.08 |
| 51 | Wyoming | $19,401 | $9.33 |
Highest paying cities for loading machine operators
The highest-paying cities for loading machine operators are West Warwick, RI, Fresno, CA, and Sherman, TX.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Warwick, RI | $43,989 | $21.15 |
| 2 | Fresno, CA | $41,149 | $19.78 |
| 3 | Sherman, TX | $36,344 | $17.47 |
Loading machine operator salary details
A loading machine operator's salary ranges from $20,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $62,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a loading machine operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $62,000 | $5,167 | $30 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,000 | $3,917 | $23 |
| Average | $35,488 | $2,957 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $20,000 | $1,667 | $10 |
Highest paying loading machine operator jobs
The highest paying types of loading machine operators are terminal operator, mill operator, and grinder operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Forklift Operator | $34,213 | $2,851 | $16.45 | 213,020 |
| Mill Operator | $39,045 | $3,254 | $18.77 | 64,574 |
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | $32,452 | $2,704 | $15.60 | 120,073 |
| Terminal Operator | $39,948 | $3,329 | $19.21 | 43,328 |
| Lift Operator | $32,309 | $2,692 | $15.53 | 72,445 |
Top companies hiring loading machine operators now:
Which companies pay loading machine operators the most?
Loading machine operator salaries at Olin and Caliper Family of Companies are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average loading machine operator salary at companies like LiDestri Food and Drink and Lane Enterprises are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olin | $46,134 | $22.18 |
| 2 | Caliper Family of Companies | $34,676 | $16.67 |
| 3 | LiDestri Food and Drink | $32,805 | $15.77 |
| 4 | Lane Enterprises | $32,394 | $15.57 |
| 5 | Randstad North America, Inc. | $32,198 | $15.48 |
| 6 | Nova-Tech Engineering | $31,984 | $15.38 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Loading Machine Operator salary by industry
The average loading machine operator salary varies across industries:
- The average loading machine operator salary in the automotive industry is $38,412, the highest of any industry.
- The average loading machine operator salary in the finance industry is $37,632.
- Loading machine operators in the professional industry earn an average salary of $30,303, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for loading machine operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive | $38,412 | $18.47 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $37,632 | $18.09 |
| 3 | Construction | $37,137 | $17.85 |
| 4 | Professional | $30,303 | $14.57 |
High paying loading machine operator jobs
Loading machine operator salary trends
The average loading machine operator salary has risen by $7,633 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average loading machine operator earned $27,855 annually, but today, they earn $35,488 a year. That works out to a 15% change in pay for loading machine operators over the last decade.
Compare loading machine operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average loading machine operator salary over time
Compare loading machine operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Loading machine operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,500 | $17.06 | +5.1% |
| 2024 | $33,700 | $16.20 | +2.7% |
| 2023 | $32,800 | $15.77 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $31,900 | $15.34 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | $30,800 | $14.79 | +4.3% |
Recently added loading machine operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bettis Companies | Excavating and Loading Machine Operator | Coolidge, KS | 01/15/2025 | $51,069 |
| Olin Corporation | Winchester-Shotshell Loading Machine Operator (S/3) | East Alton, IL | 12/10/2024 | $49,274 |
Loading machine operator salary FAQs
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