As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Machine Operator in the United States is $41,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, an Entry Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Machine Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Machine Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Machine Operator | $40,746 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Machine Operator | $41,000 |
| Senior Level Entry Machine Operator | $41,555 |
| Specialist Level Entry Machine Operator | $41,925 |
| Expert Level Entry Machine Operator | $42,018 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.86% |
| Machine Operation | 3.15% |
| Container | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CNC
|
$43,870 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$42,640 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$42,230 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$42,230 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$41,820 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$41,820 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Machine Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $36,100 and $38,670).
Entry Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.4% |
| High School | 69.8% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 7.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Machine Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Machine Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $54,600 | 33% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,500 | 18% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $57,600 | 40% |
Salaries for an Entry Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Machine Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest paid Entry Machine Operator earns a maximum salary of $45,900. In comparison, Equipment Operators had a median salary of $56,160 in 2023, with the top 25% earning $72,970 and the lowest 25% making $46,270.
Heavy equipment operators typically earn between $37,400 and $45,900 as entry-level machine operators. While experienced operators can earn higher salaries, reaching $100,000 is generally more common in advanced roles or specialized positions. Proficiency in operating various heavy equipment can lead to increased earning potential over time.
Heavy equipment operators typically earn between $37,400 and $45,900 as entry-level machine operators. While experienced operators can earn higher salaries, reaching $100,000 is generally more common in advanced roles or specialized positions. Proficiency in operating various heavy machinery can lead to increased earnings over time.
The highest paying machining jobs include positions like Tool Pusher, with salaries reaching up to $45,900 per year. Other lucrative roles are Machine Shop Supervisor and Gear Machinist, with salaries ranging from $41,200 to $45,900. Entry-level Machine Operators can expect salaries between $37,400 and $45,900, depending on experience and skill level.
The highest salary that an Entry Machine Operator can earn is ?45,900 per year (approximately ?3,825 per month).
Overall, a career as a machine operator can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $37,400 to $45,900. This role offers diverse opportunities for those who enjoy working with machinery and contributing to the production process in a dynamic manufacturing environment. The mid-salary of $41,200 reflects a competitive wage for this essential position.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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