As of February 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Machine Operator III in the United States is $25, which translates to an annual salary of about $51,569.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Machine Operator III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Operator III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Operator I | 0-1 years | $40,919 |
| Machine Operator II | 1-3 years | $45,469 |
| Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $51,569 |
| Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $55,474 |
| Machine Operator Supervisor | 7+ years | $80,470 |
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 Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.3% |
| Machine Operation | 3.88% |
| Food Safety | 2.21% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$57,242 |
11%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$54,663 |
6%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$54,147 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$54,147 |
5%
|
|
SOP
|
$53,632 |
4%
|
|
Dedication
|
$53,632 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Operator IIIs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Machine Operator III with a No Diploma is between $51,335 and $54,850).
Machine Operator III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.1% |
| High School | 74.4% |
| Associates | 10.3% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 2.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Machine Operator III'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 February 01, 2026
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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 more complex tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. May assist with training other machine operators. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Commitment: 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: Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
Food Safety: Applying procedures during food preparation, processing, storage, and distribution to ensure consumers are safe from foodborne illnesses.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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