As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Loader/Unloader in the United States is $49,788 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:
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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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $49,491 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $50,105 |
| Senior Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $50,558 |
| Specialist Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $50,694 |
| Expert Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $50,785 |
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 Machine Loader/Unloaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $55,687. While startup companies pay approximate $47,095.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,095 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,810 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,777 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $55,687 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $62,235 | $30.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $59,746 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,746 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $57,256 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $54,767 | $26.0 | 10% |
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 July 01, 2026
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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 $62,798.
The highest pay for Machine Loader/Unloader is $55,586.
The lowest pay for Machine Loader/Unloader is $42,188.
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.
The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Loader/Unloader roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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