As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Loader/Unloader in Montana is $47,005 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
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 | $46,725 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $47,304 |
| Senior Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $47,732 |
| Specialist Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $47,860 |
| Expert Level Machine Loader/Unloader | $47,946 |
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 $52,575. While startup companies pay approximate $44,462.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $44,462 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,026 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $50,771 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $52,575 |
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 | $58,756 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $56,406 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $56,406 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,056 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $51,705 | $25.0 | 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, 2026Ready 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.
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