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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 January 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): $53,315
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,090 to $49,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,102
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View as table View as graph 25% $40,090 10% $36,102 90% $53,315 75% $49,100 $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 $49,100 $4,092 $944 $24
Average $44,470 $3,706 $855 $21
25th Percentile $40,090 $3,341 $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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $43,032
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,163
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $44,012
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $46,198
  • Expert (over 8 years): $46,889
Levels Salary
Entry Level Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator$43,032
Intermediate Level Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator$43,163
Senior Level Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator$44,012
Specialist Level Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator$46,198
Expert Level Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator$46,889
$43,032 0 yr
$43,163 < 2 yrs
$44,012 2-4 yrs
$46,198 5-8 yrs
$46,889 > 8 yrs
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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: $55,540
  • 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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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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$40,090
Average $44,470/year
$49,100
$3,341
Average $3,706/month
$4,092
$771
Average $855/week
$944
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,100 $4,092 $944 $24
Average $44,470 $3,706 $855 $21
25th Percentile $40,090 $3,341 $771 $19

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator
Plastic Injection Molding Operator III
Production Machine Operator III
General Machinist III
CNC Laser Machine Operator II
Production Machine Operations Supervisor
Machining Operations Supervisor I
CNC Laser Machine Operator III

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 $56,600 27%
Production Machine Operator III $51,600 16%
General Machinist III $65,700 48%
CNC Laser Machine Operator II $62,700 41%

Salaries of jobs related to Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator

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.

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FAQ about Intermediate Packaging Machine Operator

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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