Salary AI Book a Demo

Machine Loader/Unloader Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Loader/Unloader make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Loader/Unloader in the United States is $49,793 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Machine Loader/Unloader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,917
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,703 to $54,569
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,890
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Machine Loader/Unloader Salaries

A Machine Loader/Unloader'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 Machine Loader/Unloader Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Loader/Unloader'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): $49,562
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,292
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $51,005
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $51,219
  • Expert (over 8 years): $51,361
Levels Salary
Entry Level Machine Loader/Unloader$49,562
Intermediate Level Machine Loader/Unloader$50,292
Senior Level Machine Loader/Unloader$51,005
Specialist Level Machine Loader/Unloader$51,219
Expert Level Machine Loader/Unloader$51,361
View as Graph

How Do Machine Loader/Unloaders Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Machine Loader/Unloaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $55,131.
  • California: $54,922.
  • Massachusetts: $54,190.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Loader/Unloader

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: $62,804
  • San Francisco: $62,116
  • Oakland: $60,807

Machine Loader/Unloader Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Loader/Unloader salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,740. While startup companies pay approximate $47,155.

Machine Loader/Unloader Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,155
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,872
Established 501~5000 $53,827
Enterprise 5000+ $55,740

Machine Loader/Unloader Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Loader/Unloader roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Machine Loader/Unloader positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Loader/Unloader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Loader/Unloader

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$62,241$30.025%
Energy & Utilities$59,752$29.020%
Pharmaceuticals$59,752$29.020%
Aerospace & Defense$57,262$28.015%
Financial Services$54,772$26.010%

Machine Loader/Unloader Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Loader/Unloader'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 August 01, 2026
$46,703
Average $49,793/year
$54,569
$3,892
Average $4,149/month
$4,547
$898
Average $958/week
$1,049
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,569 $4,547 $1,049 $26
Average $49,793 $4,149 $958 $24
25th Percentile $46,703 $3,892 $898 $22

Most common benefits for Machine Loader/Unloader

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Machine Loader/Unloader

Here are companies hiring for Machine Loader/Unloader and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Machine Loader/Unloader Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Loader/Unloader job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Machine Loader/Unloader

1. Where can a Machine Loader/Unloader earn the most?

A Machine Loader/Unloader's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Machine Loader/Unloader earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machine Loader/Unloader is $62,804.

2. What is the highest pay for Machine Loader/Unloader?

The highest pay for Machine Loader/Unloader is $58,917.

3. What is the lowest pay for Machine Loader/Unloader?

The lowest pay for Machine Loader/Unloader is $43,890.

4. What are the responsibilities of Machine Loader/Unloader?

Loads and unloads materials or components into production machines safely and efficiently. Monitors production flow and ensures proper placement of materials to prevent jams or defects. Inspects materials for quality and verifies counts against work orders. Maintains a clean and organized work area to support safety and efficiency. Assists machine operators with basic setup and operation as needed. May utilize and operate machinery to load and unload heavy materials. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Machine Loader/Unloader?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Loader/Unloader roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst