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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Machine Operator in Indiana is $39,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, an Entry Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,300 | $3,525 | $813 | $20 |
| Average | $39,300 | $3,275 | $756 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,100 | $3,008 | $694 | $17 |
Revere Plastics Systems LLC - Jeffersonville, IN
Thorgren Tool and Molding Co., Inc. - Valparaiso, IN
Donaldson - Monticello, IN
Leaders Staffing, LLC - Fort Wayne, IN
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, 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Machine Operator | 0-1 years | $39,278 |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $43,651 |
| Production Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $49,529 |
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $53,222 |
| Production Machine Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $77,325 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Entry Machine Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,994. While startup companies pay approximate $37,218.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $37,218 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $39,362 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $42,484 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $43,994 |
For Entry Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Entry Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $53,055 | $26.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $51,090 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Media | $49,125 | $24.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $47,160 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $45,195 | $22.0 | 15% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,300 | $3,525 | $813 | $20 |
| Average | $39,300 | $3,275 | $756 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,100 | $3,008 | $694 | $17 |
Promotions 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 | $52,500 | 34% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $46,600 | 19% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $43,700 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $45,000 | 15% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Job&talent US
Pierceton, IN
Job&talent US | Pierceton, IN
At Job&Talent, we are recruiting for a Machine Operator to work with a leading manufacturing company in Pierceton.This role involves operating CNC machines... more
7 Days Ago
Altium Packaging
Lebanon, IN
Altium Packaging | Lebanon, IN
Machine Operator. Location: 917 Edwards Drive, Lebanon, Indiana 46052. Work Shift: 12hr-D Shift (United States of America). The Machine Operator will opera... more
7 Days Ago
First Call Temporary Services
Indianapolis, IN
First Call Temporary Services | Indianapolis, IN
First Call Staffing is currently hiring for a fast-paced manufacturing environment located on the far east side of Indianapolis.The role involves working w... more
8 Days Ago
ConAgra
Indianapolis, IN
ConAgra | Indianapolis, IN
Shift:6:00 AM-6:30 PM Hourly Rate:$23.12 an hour Conagra Brands - Indianapolis is looking to add to our production team to help us meet the demands of our ... more
8 Days Ago
Royer Corporation
Madison, IN
Royer Corporation | Madison, IN
Machine Operator. Royer Corporation is seeking reliable, safety-minded individuals to join our manufacturing team as Production Machine Operators. This pos... more
8 Days Ago
Lake Cable, LLC
Elkhart, IN
Lake Cable, LLC | Elkhart, IN
Lake Cable Opportunity. What would you say to a career that helps keep the world working. One where you take an active role in an industry that literally m... more
8 Days Ago
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