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Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator in the United States is $44,470 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,411
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,080 to $49,150
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,083
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View as table View as graph 25% $40,080 10% $36,083 90% $53,411 75% $49,150 $44,470 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $49,150 $4,096 $945 $24
Average $44,470 $3,706 $855 $21
25th Percentile $40,080 $3,340 $771 $19
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Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salaries

An Intermediate 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 Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate 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:

  • Automated Packager Operator I (0-1 years): $38,895
  • Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Automated Packager Operator III (3-5 years): $49,382
  • Packing Line Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $84,517
  • Packing Line Operations Manager (5+ years): $114,291
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Automated Packager Operator I0-1 years$38,895
Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator1-3 years$44,464
Automated Packager Operator III3-5 years$49,382
Packing Line Operations Supervisor5+ years$84,517
Packing Line Operations Manager5+ years$114,291
$38,895 Automated...
$44,464 Intermedi...
$49,382 Automated...
$84,517 Packing L...
$114,291 Packing L...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate 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: $56,090
  • San Francisco: $55,470
  • Oakland: $54,300

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate 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 Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator's salary.
  • Managing People: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Adaptability: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Managing People
$50,251
13%
Adaptability
$47,138
6%
Commitment
$46,694
5%
Leadership
$46,694
5%
Sustainability
$46,694
5%
Manufacturing Processes
$46,249
4%
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Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate 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 $49,782. While startup companies pay approximate $42,114.

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$42,114
Growth Stage51~500$44,541
Established501~5000$48,073
Enterprise5000+$49,782

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$66,705$32.050%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $41,912 and $45,411).

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 50.0%
High School 50.0%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate 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 August 01, 2026

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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.

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Plastic Injection Molding Operator III $56,700 28%
Production Machine Operator III $51,600 16%
General Machinist III $65,800 48%
CNC Laser Machine Operator III $62,800 41%

Salary Trends for Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator

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

Average Annual Salary of Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$42,067
2024
$42,218
2025
$42,104
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $42,067
2024 $42,218
2025 $42,104
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator

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

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

Find Your Next Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • MD Staff, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH

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    2 Days Ago

  • KreilKamp Trucking

    Columbus, OH

    KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

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    5 Days Ago

  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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  • The Curare Group, Inc

    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paying machining job?

One of the highest paying machining jobs is the Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator, with a salary range of $40,410 to $52,990 per year, and a mid-salary of $46,290. Other high-paying roles include Tool Pusher, Machine Shop Supervisor, and Gear Machinist, which can offer competitive salaries as well.

3. What technician make the most money?

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operators earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $40,410, a mid-range salary of $46,290, and a maximum of $52,990. This positions them well among technical jobs, making it a lucrative option for those in the field.

4. 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 Packaging Machine Operator ranges from $40,410 to $52,990, with a median salary of $46,290, reflecting the importance of these skills in the industry.

5. What is the average salary for a packaging technician?

The average salary for an Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator ranges from $40,410 to $52,990, with a midpoint of $46,290. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to some states where packaging technicians earn lower averages, such as New York at $35,265 and California at $37,079.

6. What is the average salary for a packager?

The average salary for an Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator ranges from $40,410 to $52,990 annually, with a midpoint of $46,290. This reflects a more specialized role compared to general packagers, whose hourly wages typically range from $14.42 to $17.31.

7. How much does a machine operator make in the USA?

The estimated total pay for an Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator in the USA ranges from $40,410 to $52,990 per year, with a median salary of approximately $46,290. These figures reflect the salary range based on collected data and represent the midpoint of the earnings for this role.

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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