As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Machine Operator I in the United States is $40,920 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Production Machine Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production Machine Operator I'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 a Production Machine Operator I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Production Machine Operator I | 0-1 years | $40,919 |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $45,472 |
| Production Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $51,584 |
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $55,461 |
| Production Machine Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $80,511 |
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 Production Machine Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.86% |
| Machine Operation | 3.15% |
| Container | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CNC
|
$43,784 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$42,557 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$42,148 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$42,148 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$41,738 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$41,738 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Production Machine Operator Is 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 a Production Machine Operator I with a No Diploma is between $36,100 and $38,651).
Production Machine Operator I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.4% |
| High School | 69.8% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 7.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Production Machine Operator I'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Production Machine Operator I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $54,600 | 33% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,500 | 19% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | 11% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $46,900 | 15% |
Salaries for a Production Machine Operator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Production Machine Operator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The best-paid machine operator jobs typically offer salaries ranging from £37,330 to £45,890 annually. In the UK, cities like Worksop, Coventry, and Telford provide competitive hourly rates, with Worksop averaging £13.65 per hour. This translates to an annual salary that aligns with the higher end of the production machine operator salary range.
The top pay for a Production Machine Operator is approximately $45,890 annually. The average salary is around $41,160, while the minimum salary starts at $37,330. This reflects a competitive wage range for machine operators in the industry.
The highest salary that a Production Machine Operator can earn is ₹4.6 Lakhs per year (₹38.3k per month).
A job as a machine operator can be a great opportunity. With salaries ranging from $37,330 to $45,890, it offers competitive pay. Additionally, as you gain experience, there are often opportunities for advancement, making it a promising career choice.
A production machine operator operates machinery like lathes, grinders, and mills according to prints and specifications. They are responsible for producing the required quantity of parts while adhering to established specifications and tolerances. The salary for this role ranges from $37,330 to $45,890, with a mid-range salary of $41,160.
Being a Production Machine Operator can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the role. Operators are responsible for operating and maintaining machinery, ensuring production processes run smoothly, and meeting production targets while adhering to safety and quality standards. The salary ranges from $37,330 to $45,890, reflecting the skill and effort required in this position.
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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