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Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Packaging Machine Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Packaging Machine Operator in the United States is $38,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, an Entry Packaging Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $44,593
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $35,680 to $41,880
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,748
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salaries

An Entry Packaging 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.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Packaging 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:

  • Entry Packaging Machine Operator (0-1 years): $38,893
  • Automated Packager Operator II (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Automated Packager Operator III (3-5 years): $49,384
  • Packing Line Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $84,536
  • Packing Line Operations Manager (5+ years): $114,308
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Packaging Machine Operator0-1 years$38,893
Automated Packager Operator II1-3 years$44,464
Automated Packager Operator III3-5 years$49,384
Packing Line Operations Supervisor5+ years$84,536
Packing Line Operations Manager5+ years$114,308
View as Graph

How Do Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Packaging Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $43,070.
  • California: $42,900.
  • Massachusetts: $42,330.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Packaging Machine Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $49,060
  • San Francisco: $48,520
  • Oakland: $47,500

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Packaging Machine Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.8% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Food Safety (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Applying procedures during food preparation, processing, storage, and distribution to ensure consumers are safe from foodborne illnesses.
  • 5S (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Stands for sort, sustain, set in order, standardized and shine. 5 tips that are designed to achieve clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized workplace for a more systematized work flow.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.8%
Food Safety 2.92%
5S 1.47%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Packaging Machine Operator's salary.

  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Sustainability: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • ISO: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accountability $42,401
9%
Sustainability $42,012
8%
ISO $41,623
7%
Get Latest Data

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Packaging Machine Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,472. While startup companies pay approximate $36,773.

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,773
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,891
Established 501~5000 $41,978
Enterprise 5000+ $43,472

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Packaging Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Packaging Machine Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Packaging Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Packaging Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$46,680$22.020%
Aerospace & Defense$44,735$22.015%
Biotechnology$44,735$22.015%
Chemicals$42,790$21.010%
Financial Services$42,790$21.010%

How Education impacts an Entry Packaging Machine Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Packaging 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 Packaging Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $33,560 and $36,105).

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Packaging Machine Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 81.8%
High School 81.8%
Associates 9.1%
Bachelors 9.1%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Packaging 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 September 01, 2026
$35,680
Average $38,900/year
$41,880
$2,973
Average $3,242/month
$3,490
$686
Average $748/week
$805
$17
Average $19/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $41,880 $3,490 $805 $20
Average $38,900 $3,242 $748 $19
25th Percentile $35,680 $2,973 $686 $17

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Entry Packaging Machine Operator

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Packaging 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 $54,700 41%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,600 25%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 17%
Milling Machine Technician II $52,200 34%

Most common benefits for Entry Packaging Machine Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Packaging Machine Operator

Here are companies hiring for Entry Packaging Machine Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Packaging Machine Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Packaging Machine Operator?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Packaging Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is a good salary package in USA?

A good salary package in the USA varies by job type. For an Entry Packaging Machine Operator, salaries range from $35,070 to $44,220, with a midpoint of $39,140. In comparison, the average salary in 2024 is around $59,640, highlighting the diversity in earnings across different roles.

3. What is the minimum salary package in USA?

The minimum salary for an Entry Packaging Machine Operator in the USA is $35,070 per year. This is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 2009.

4. How much do machine operators make in the US?

In the US, Entry Packaging Machine Operators earn between $35,070 and $44,220 annually, with a median salary of $39,140. This reflects a competitive wage range for those in this role, highlighting the importance of skills and experience in determining salary levels.

5. How much do machinists get paid in the US?

As of January 2025, Entry Packaging Machine Operators in the U.S. earn between $35,070 and $44,220 annually, with a median salary of $39,140. This reflects a range of hourly wages, providing a competitive compensation for those in this role.

6. What is the best paid machine operator job?

The best-paid machine operator job is the Entry Packaging Machine Operator, with salaries ranging from £35,070 to £44,220 annually. In the UK, cities like Worksop (£13.65/hour), Coventry (£13.12/hour), and Telford (£12.80/hour) offer competitive hourly rates, reflecting the demand for skilled operators in the industry.

7. How do I become a packaging technician?

To become a packaging technician, gain relevant experience in manufacturing or a related field. Familiarity with packaging regulations, design software, and equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving skills are also important. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $35,070 to $44,220, with a mid-salary of $39,140.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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