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Machine Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Operator I make in the United States?

As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator I in the United States is $42,584 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Machine Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,812
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,067 to $45,844
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,865
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs
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Key Factors That Influence Machine Operator I Salaries

A Machine Operator I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Machine Operator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Operator I'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:

  • Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $42,584
  • Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $45,478
  • Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $51,612
  • Machine Operator IV (5-7 years): $55,427
  • Machine Operator Supervisor (7+ years): $80,600
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Machine Operator I0-1 years$42,584
Machine Operator II1-3 years$45,478
Machine Operator III3-5 years$51,612
Machine Operator IV5-7 years$55,427
Machine Operator Supervisor7+ years$80,600
View as Graph

How Do Machine Operator I 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 Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $47,149.
  • California: $46,970.
  • Massachusetts: $46,344.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Operator Is

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: $53,711
  • San Francisco: $53,123
  • Oakland: $52,004

What Skills Can Increase a Machine Operator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.86% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Machine Operation (Mentioned in 3.15% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
  • Container (Mentioned in 2.29% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.86%
Machine Operation 3.15%
Container 2.29%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Machine Operator I's salary.

  • CNC: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • SOP: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
CNC $45,565
7%
Accountability $44,287
4%
SOP $43,862
3%
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Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,527. While startup companies pay approximate $40,253.

Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $40,253
Growth Stage 51~500 $42,558
Established 501~5000 $45,891
Enterprise 5000+ $47,527

Machine Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Operator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$57,488$28.035%
Financial Services$55,359$27.030%
Media$53,230$26.025%
Biotechnology$51,101$25.020%
Insurance$48,972$24.015%

How Education impacts a Machine Operator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Operator I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Machine Operator I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $39,140 and $41,333.

Machine Operator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Machine Operator I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.4%
High School 69.8%
Associates 12.5%
Bachelors 7.3%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Machine Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Operator I'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 November 01, 2026
$39,067
Average $42,584/year
$45,844
$3,256
Average $3,549/month
$3,820
$751
Average $819/week
$882
$19
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,844 $3,820 $882 $22
Average $42,584 $3,549 $819 $20
25th Percentile $39,067 $3,256 $751 $19

Machine Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Machine Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machine Operator I, 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
Extrusion Operator, Sr. $54,624 28%
Injection Molding Machine Operator II $48,524 14%
Machine Operator II $45,478 7%
Milling Machine Operator II $52,130 22%

Most common benefits for Machine Operator I

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

Common company salaries for Machine Operator I

Here are companies hiring for Machine Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Machine Operator I

1. Where can a Machine Operator I earn the most?

A Machine Operator I'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 Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machine Operator I is $53,711.

2. What is the highest pay for Machine Operator I?

The highest pay for Machine Operator I is $48,812.

3. What is the lowest pay for Machine Operator I?

The lowest pay for Machine Operator I is $35,865.

4. What are the responsibilities of Machine Operator I?

Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Controls and adjusts machine settings to complete simple tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. 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 Operator I?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 35% 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.

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