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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Machine Operator in Washington is $55,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Senior Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,490 | $5,208 | $1,202 | $30 |
| Average | $55,950 | $4,663 | $1,076 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,660 | $4,222 | $974 | $24 |
Burton Mill Solutions - Woodland, WA
Legacy Talent Search - Burlington, WA
Parker - Airway Heights, WA
Alcal Specialty Contracting, Inc - Tacoma, WA
A Senior 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Machine Operator | 0-1 years | $44,368 |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $49,309 |
| Senior Machine Operator | 3-5 years | $55,948 |
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $60,119 |
| Production Machine Operations Supervisor | 7+ years | $87,346 |
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 Senior Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Senior Machine Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,633. While startup companies pay approximate $52,986.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,986 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,039 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,483 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,633 |
For Senior Machine Operator 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, Senior Machine Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $89,520 | $43.0 | 60% |
| Software & Networking | $83,925 | $40.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $78,330 | $38.0 | 40% |
Understanding how a Senior 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $62,490 | $5,208 | $1,202 | $30 |
| Average | $55,950 | $4,663 | $1,076 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,660 | $4,222 | $974 | $24 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | $60,200 | 8% |
| Expert Machinist | $79,600 | 42% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator IV | $77,400 | 38% |
| Packing Line Operations Supervisor | $91,700 | 64% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
OmniMax International
Puyallup, WA
OmniMax International | Puyallup, WA
Machine Operator. The role includes setting up and adjusting machinery, loading and sealing cartons, moving finished products to pallets, and ensuring accu... more
6 Days Ago
House brothers const inc
Mccleary, WA
House brothers const inc | Mccleary, WA
Operator is for backfilling houses and septic, need to be able to fine toon with a machine and not afraid to get off machine.Helping with septic or any whe... more
7 Days Ago
TERRA Staffing Group
Auburn, WA
TERRA Staffing Group | Auburn, WA
Machine Operator. Centrally located in Auburn, WA, a global manufacturing facility that produces laminated materials, labels, tapes, tags, and RFID solutio... more
7 Days Ago
Autonomy Staffing
Kent, WA
Autonomy Staffing | Kent, WA
Machine Operator. Kent, Washington, United States. About the Job. Job Title: Production Operator (Swing Shift). Pay Rate: Direct hire starting pay $23/hr (... more
7 Days Ago
TJC
Centralia, WA
TJC | Centralia, WA
NorPlex Machine Operator. The NorPlex Machine Operator plays a key role in supporting maintenance and engineering activities at the Continental Products fa... more
7 Days Ago
Novolex
Vancouver, WA
Novolex | Vancouver, WA
Machine Operator. Vancouver, WA. Compensation Includes. Starting Pay Rate of $21.80 - $22.70/hour - depending on experience. A $1.00 per hour shift differe... more
7 Days Ago
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