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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 January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Packaging Machine Operator in the United States is $38,910 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): $44,603
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $35,700 to $41,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,777
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View as table View as graph 25% $35,700 10% $32,777 90% $44,603 75% $41,890 $38,910 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $41,890 $3,491 $806 $20
Average $38,910 $3,243 $748 $19
25th Percentile $35,700 $2,975 $687 $17
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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-Level (less than 1 year): $38,670
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $38,910
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $39,444
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $39,800
  • Expert (over 8 years): $39,889
Levels Salary
Entry Level Entry Packaging Machine Operator$38,670
Intermediate Level Entry Packaging Machine Operator$38,910
Senior Level Entry Packaging Machine Operator$39,444
Specialist Level Entry Packaging Machine Operator$39,800
Expert Level Entry Packaging Machine Operator$39,889
$38,670 0 yr
$38,910 < 2 yrs
$39,444 2-4 yrs
$39,800 5-8 yrs
$39,889 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

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: $43,090.
  • California: $42,920.
  • Massachusetts: $42,350.

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: $49,080
  • San Francisco: $48,600
  • Oakland: $47,520

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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.8%
Food Safety 2.92%
5S 1.47%
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
 $42,412
9%
Sustainability
 $42,023
8%
ISO
 $41,634
7%
Analysis
 $41,634
7%
Process Improvement
 $41,245
6%
Leadership
 $41,245
6%
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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%
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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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$35,700
Average $38,910/year
$41,890
$2,975
Average $3,243/month
$3,491
$687
Average $748/week
$806
$17
Average $19/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $41,890 $3,491 $806 $20
Average $38,910 $3,243 $748 $19
25th Percentile $35,700 $2,975 $687 $17

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Entry Packaging Machine Operator
Extruder Operator II
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II
Intermediate Machine Operator
Milling Machine Technician II
Plastic Injection Molding Operator III
Production Machine Operator III

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.

Entry Packaging Machine Operator Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Extruder Operator II $54,600 40%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,500 25%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 17%
Milling Machine Technician II $57,600 48%

Salaries of jobs related to Entry Packaging Machine Operator

Salary Trends for Entry Packaging Machine Operator

Salaries for an Entry Packaging 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 Packaging Machine Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Entry Packaging Machine Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $38,256
2024 $37,980
2025 $37,727
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Entry Packaging Machine Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Entry Packaging Machine Operator

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FAQ about Entry Packaging Machine Operator

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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