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Intermediate Machine Operator Salary in the United States

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

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,670
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,000 to $50,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,903
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Machine Operator Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Intermediate Machine Operator Salaries?

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:

  • Entry Machine Operator (0-1 years): $40,919
  • Intermediate Machine Operator (1-3 years): $45,476
  • Production Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $51,603
  • Manufacturing Machine Operator IV (5-7 years): $55,439
  • Production Machine Operations Supervisor (7+ years): $80,570
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Machine Operator0-1 years$40,919
Intermediate Machine Operator1-3 years$45,476
Production Machine Operator III3-5 years$51,603
Manufacturing Machine Operator IV5-7 years$55,439
Production Machine Operations Supervisor7+ years$80,570
View as Graph

How Do Intermediate 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 Intermediate Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,400.
  • California: $50,200.
  • Massachusetts: $49,500.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate 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: $57,400
  • San Francisco: $56,800
  • Oakland: $55,600

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Machine Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.99% 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.
  • Machine Operation (Mentioned in 3.23% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
  • Container (Mentioned in 2.39% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.99%
Machine Operation 3.23%
Container 2.39%
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 Intermediate Machine Operator's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $49,140
8%
Dedication $48,685
7%
Collaboration $47,320
4%
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Intermediate Machine Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Machine Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,848. While startup companies pay approximate $43,012.

Intermediate Machine Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $43,012
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,490
Established 501~5000 $49,100
Enterprise 5000+ $50,848

Intermediate Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media$59,150$28.030%
Insurance$56,875$27.025%
Construction$54,600$26.020%
Financial Services$52,325$25.015%
Aerospace & Defense$50,050$24.010%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Machine Operator's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Intermediate Machine Operator
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%
View as Graph

Intermediate Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$41,000
Average $45,500/year
$50,300
$3,417
Average $3,792/month
$4,192
$788
Average $875/week
$967
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,300 $4,192 $967 $24
Average $45,500 $3,792 $875 $22
25th Percentile $41,000 $3,417 $788 $20

Intermediate Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Machine Operator

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $56,700 25%
Production Machine Operator III $51,700 14%
General Machinist III $65,800 45%
CNC Laser Machine Operator III $62,800 38%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Machine Operator

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

Common company salaries for Intermediate Machine Operator

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

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FAQ about Intermediate Machine Operator

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

The Media industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the demand for machine operators?

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.

3. Is machine operator a skilled job?

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.

4. What is the highest paying machining job?

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.

5. Can heavy equipment operators make 100k?

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.

6. What skill is a machine operator?

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.

7. What is the highest salary for a machine operator?

The highest salary that an Intermediate Machine Operator can earn is ₹54,600 per year (approximately ₹4,550 per month).

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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