As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Machine Operator III in the United States is $51,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Production Machine Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Production 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Machine Operator | 0-1 years | $40,919 |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $45,474 |
| Production 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 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.3% |
| Machine Operation | 3.88% |
| Food Safety | 2.21% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$57,276 |
11%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$54,696 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$54,180 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$54,180 |
5%
|
|
SOP
|
$53,664 |
4%
|
|
Dedication
|
$53,664 |
4%
|
Production 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 $57,714. While startup companies pay approximate $48,809.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $48,809 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $51,623 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $55,734 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $57,714 |
For Production 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, Production Machine Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Production Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $82,560 | $40.0 | 60% |
| Software & Networking | $77,400 | $37.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $72,240 | $35.0 | 40% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Production Machine Operator IIIs 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 III with a No Diploma is between $50,645 and $54,312).
Production Machine Operator III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.1% |
| High School | 74.4% |
| Associates | 10.3% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 2.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Production 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, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Production 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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a Production 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 Production Machine Operator III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,491 |
| 2024 | $47,355 |
| 2025 | $47,039 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Production Machine Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
Machines vary in complexity, from simple tools like spades to complex systems like space shuttles. A machine grade 3 typically refers to a more advanced type of machinery that may require skilled operators. In the context of production machine operators, salaries range from $49,400 to $62,700, with a median salary of $55,500, reflecting the expertise needed for operating such machines.
An Operator Level 3 is expected to develop skills in various functions, including handling raw materials and operating fixed and mobile equipment like crushing operations, watercarts, dump trucks, and front-end loaders. The salary for this position ranges from $49,400 to $62,700, with a midpoint of $55,500, reflecting the level of expertise required.
Ultimately, a job as a machine operator can be an excellent opportunity for various reasons. The salary range is competitive, with a minimum of $49,400, a mid-range of $55,500, and a maximum of $62,700. Additionally, you'll typically have chances to advance as you gain experience, making it a promising career choice.
A job as a machine operator can be a great opportunity. With salaries ranging from $49,400 to $62,700, it offers competitive pay. Additionally, as you gain experience, there are often opportunities for advancement, making it a promising career choice.
Yes, there is a demand for machine operators. Overall employment for material moving machine operators is expected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, aligning with the average for all occupations. Annually, around 85,500 job openings are projected. The salary range for Production Machine Operators is between $49,400 and $62,700, with a median salary of $55,500.
Machines vary in complexity, from simple tools like spades to complex systems like space shuttles. A machine grade 3 typically refers to machines that are more advanced than basic models, often featuring enhanced capabilities and efficiency. In the context of production, a machine operator can expect a salary ranging from $49,400 to $62,700, with a midpoint of $55,500.
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