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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Machine Operator in New Jersey is $44,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
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 | $47,800 | $3,983 | $919 | $23 |
| Average | $44,400 | $3,700 | $854 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,700 | $3,392 | $783 | $20 |
Rubber and Silicone Products - Fairfield, NJ
Aaa Pharmaceutical Inc - Paulsboro, NJ
RBC Bearings - Trenton, NJ
Synerfac Technical Staffing - Cherry Hill - Lakewood, NJ
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 | $44,352 |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $49,290 |
| Production Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $55,927 |
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $60,097 |
| Production Machine Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $87,314 |
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 $49,703. While startup companies pay approximate $42,048.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,048 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,470 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,997 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,703 |
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 | $59,940 | $29.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $57,720 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Media | $55,500 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $53,280 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $51,060 | $25.0 | 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 | $47,800 | $3,983 | $919 | $23 |
| Average | $44,400 | $3,700 | $854 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,700 | $3,392 | $783 | $20 |
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 | $59,200 | 33% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $52,600 | 18% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $49,300 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $50,800 | 14% |
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.
Vitaquest
Paterson, NJ
Vitaquest | Paterson, NJ
Vitaquest International is an industry-leading development and commercialization partner for consumer products in nutraceutical and functional foods.With o... more
7 Days Ago
Surge
Vineland, NJ
Surge | Vineland, NJ
Machine Operator. Job Category: Office Support. Requisition Number: MACHI004334. Full-Time. On-site. Rate: $20 USD per hour. Location: Vineland, NJ 8360, U... more
7 Days Ago
TCP Reliable Manufacturing, Inc.
Edison, NJ
TCP Reliable Manufacturing, Inc. | Edison, NJ
Machine Operator. While we may not have an immediate opening for this role, we welcome your interest and can contact you when a job is available. Hours/Shi... more
7 Days Ago
Fluid Path Products, LLC
Middlesex, NJ
Fluid Path Products, LLC | Middlesex, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Machine Operator - Molder of Rubber Gaskets. Fluid Path Products specializes in manufacturing high-quality components for... more
7 Days Ago
Swift Staffing Inc
East Hanover, NJ
Swift Staffing Inc | East Hanover, NJ
Job Summary:Medical supply manufacturer is hiring Machine Operators to run production equipment in a clean, fast-paced environment.Responsibilities:Operate... more
8 Days Ago
CRH
Lyndhurst, NJ
CRH | Lyndhurst, NJ
Machine Operator. Operate machinery as directed while adhering to all rules and regulations mandated by safety policies and procedures to produce a superio... more
8 Days Ago
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