As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Machine Operator in the United States is $45,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, an Intermediate Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Intermediate Machine Operator | $44,022 |
| Intermediate Level Intermediate Machine Operator | $44,157 |
| Senior Level Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 |
| Specialist Level Intermediate Machine Operator | $47,291 |
| Expert Level Intermediate Machine Operator | $48,007 |
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 Intermediate Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.99% |
| Machine Operation | 3.23% |
| Container | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$49,140 |
8%
|
|
Dedication
|
$48,685 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$47,320 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$46,865 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$46,865 |
3%
|
|
SOP
|
$46,410 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $44,118 and $47,145).
Intermediate Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 85.7% |
| High School | 85.7% |
| Associates | 9.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Intermediate 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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,600 | 24% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,600 | 13% |
| General Machinist III | $65,700 | 44% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator II | $62,700 | 38% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Machine Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The demand for machine operators remains steady, with overall employment projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, aligning with the average for all occupations. Annually, around 85,500 openings are expected. Salaries for Intermediate Machine Operators range from $43,100 to $54,600, with a median salary of $48,300, reflecting the role's importance in the industry.
Machine operators are indeed skilled professionals. They require physical strength and manual dexterity to handle heavy machinery effectively. Additionally, they fine-tune and adjust machine calibrations to enhance efficiency and accuracy. With salaries ranging from $43,100 to $54,600, their expertise is well-compensated, reflecting the importance of their role in various industries.
The highest paying machining jobs include positions like Tool Pusher, with salaries ranging from $45,500 to $122,500 per year, and Machine Shop Supervisor, earning between $58,000 and $90,000. For Intermediate Machine Operators, salaries range from $43,100 to $54,600, with a mid-salary of $48,300, reflecting competitive compensation in the machining field.
Heavy equipment operators typically earn between $43,100 and $54,600, with a mid-salary of $48,300. While some experienced operators may approach higher earnings, reaching $100,000 is uncommon in this field. Proficiency in operating various heavy equipment is essential for career advancement and potential salary increases.
A machine operator should possess skills such as supplying raw materials to equipment, operating levers and switches, and ensuring machines function safely and efficiently. The salary for an Intermediate Machine Operator ranges from $43,100 to $54,600, with a median salary of $48,300, reflecting the importance of these skills in the industry.
The highest salary that an Intermediate Machine Operator can earn is ₹54,600 per year (approximately ₹4,550 per month).
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.)
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