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Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary in the United States

How much does a Manufacturing Machine Operator III make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Machine Operator III in the United States is $51,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,053
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,790 to $57,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,420
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View as table View as graph 25% $46,790 10% $42,420 90% $63,053 75% $57,590 $51,590 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $57,590 $4,799 $1,108 $28
Average $51,590 $4,299 $992 $25
25th Percentile $46,790 $3,899 $900 $22
Check out Manufacturing Machine Operator III Job Openings in the United States
Machine Operator Multiple

Pelton Shepherd Industries - Columbus, OH

Manufacturing Chemical Process Operator III

Kennametal Inc - Orwell, OH

Bakery Team Member III

Sheetz - Findlay, OH

Search More Manufacturing Machine Operator III Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salaries

A Manufacturing Machine Operator III'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Manufacturing Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manufacturing Machine Operator III'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): $45,474
  • Manufacturing Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $51,593
  • Manufacturing Machine Operator IV (5-7 years): $55,451
  • Production Machine Operations Supervisor (7+ years): $80,540
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Machine Operator0-1 years$40,919
Intermediate Machine Operator1-3 years$45,474
Manufacturing Machine Operator III3-5 years$51,593
Manufacturing Machine Operator IV5-7 years$55,451
Production Machine Operations Supervisor7+ years$80,540
$40,919 Entry Mac...
$45,474 Intermedi...
$51,593 Manufactu...
$55,451 Manufactu...
$80,540 Productio...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Manufacturing Machine Operator IIIs

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: $65,090
  • San Francisco: $64,390
  • Oakland: $63,090

What Skills Can Increase a Manufacturing Machine Operator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 4.3% 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 3.88% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
  • Food Safety (Mentioned in 2.21% Job Postings): Applying procedures during food preparation, processing, storage, and distribution to ensure consumers are safe from foodborne illnesses.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 4.3%
Machine Operation 3.88%
Food Safety 2.21%
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 a Manufacturing Machine Operator III's salary.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Standard Operating Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis
$57,265
11%
Standard Operating Procedures
$54,685
6%
Decision Making
$54,170
5%
Initiative
$54,170
5%
SOP
$53,654
4%
Dedication
$53,654
4%
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Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Manufacturing Machine Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,703. While startup companies pay approximate $48,800.

Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$48,800
Growth Stage51~500$51,613
Established501~5000$55,723
Enterprise5000+$57,703

Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manufacturing Machine Operator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Machine Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Manufacturing Machine Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$82,544$40.060%
Software & Networking$77,385$37.050%
Financial Services$72,226$35.040%

Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manufacturing Machine Operator III'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 July 01, 2026

Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Manufacturing Machine Operator III, 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.

Manufacturing Machine Operator III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Manufacturing Machine Operator IV $55,500 8%
Expert Machinist $73,400 42%
CNC Laser Machine Operator III $71,400 38%
Packing Line Operations Supervisor $84,500 64%

Salary Trends for Manufacturing Machine Operator III

Salaries for a Manufacturing Machine Operator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,491 in 2023 to around $47,039 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Manufacturing Machine Operator III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Manufacturing Machine Operator III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$47,491
2024
$47,355
2025
$47,039
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $47,491
2024 $47,355
2025 $47,039
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Manufacturing Machine Operator III

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

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

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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.)

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