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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Machine Operator in Tennessee is $38,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
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 | $41,200 | $3,433 | $792 | $20 |
| Average | $38,300 | $3,192 | $737 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,100 | $2,925 | $675 | $17 |
ABB - Selmer, TN
ABB - Selmer, Tennessee, TN
ABB Holdings Inc - Selmer, TN
Nesco Resource - Shelbyville, TN
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 | $38,239 |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $42,496 |
| Production Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $48,218 |
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $51,813 |
| Production Machine Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $75,279 |
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 $42,875. While startup companies pay approximate $36,271.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $36,271 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $38,361 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $41,403 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $42,875 |
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 | $51,705 | $25.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $49,790 | $24.0 | 30% |
| Media | $47,875 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $45,960 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $44,045 | $21.0 | 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 | $41,200 | $3,433 | $792 | $20 |
| Average | $38,300 | $3,192 | $737 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,100 | $2,925 | $675 | $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 | $51,100 | 33% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $45,400 | 19% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $42,500 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $43,800 | 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.
JBPCO
Loudon, TN
JBPCO | Loudon, TN
Job Title. Morgan Olson is the leading walk-in van body manufacturer in North America producing over 7,500 vehicles annually. Morgan Olson's portfolio of c... more
7 Days Ago
Wisdom Panel
Chattanooga, TN
Wisdom Panel | Chattanooga, TN
Machine Operator- 12 Hour Night Shift. Mars Wrigley TNN Site. Chattanooga, TN. Machine Operator. 12 Hour Night Shift (following a 2-2-3 shift rotation). 8 ... more
7 Days Ago
Lincoln Electric Holdings
Carthage, TN
Lincoln Electric Holdings | Carthage, TN
Machine Operator. Location: Carthage Recruiter: Rachel Gregory. Join the manufacturing team people don't want to leave. Work where you're valued - low turn... more
7 Days Ago
Hankook & Company ES America Corp.
Clarksville, TN
Hankook & Company ES America Corp. | Clarksville, TN
Machine Operators Wanted. Hankook & Company Battery Manufacturing is seeking dependable, safety-focused Machine Operators to join our team across all shift... more
8 Days Ago
Novolex
Jackson, TN
Novolex | Jackson, TN
Machine Operator. Jackson, TN. Compensation Includes. Starting Pay Rate of $23.20/hour. Responsibilities. Consistently and safely operates machines at or a... more
8 Days Ago
Priority Placements Group
Johnson City, TN
Priority Placements Group | Johnson City, TN
Job Title. Adjusts automatic device that regulates heat for proper precessing of individual order to begin run. Mounts rolls of fabric on to machine. Threa... more
8 Days Ago
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