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Machine Operator IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator IV in the United States is $55,445 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,176
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,625 to $62,109
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,326

Key Factors That Influence Machine Operator IV Salaries

A Machine Operator IV'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 Operator IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Operator IV'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 II (1-3 years): $45,475
  • Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $51,598
  • Machine Operator IV (5-7 years): $55,445
  • Machine Operator Supervisor (7+ years): $80,555
  • Machine Operator Senior Supervisor (7+ years): $87,732
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Machine Operator II1-3 years$45,475
Machine Operator III3-5 years$51,598
Machine Operator IV5-7 years$55,445
Machine Operator Supervisor7+ years$80,555
Machine Operator Senior Supervisor7+ years$87,732

Top Paying Cities for Machine Operator IV

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: $69,933
  • San Francisco: $69,167
  • Oakland: $67,709

Machine Operator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Operator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,067. While startup companies pay approximate $52,508.

Machine Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $52,508
Growth Stage 51~500 $55,533
Established 501~5000 $59,937
Enterprise 5000+ $62,067

Machine Operator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Operator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 44% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machine Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Operator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$66,534$32.020%
Software & Networking$66,534$32.020%
Internet$65,425$31.018%
Energy & Utilities$63,762$31.015%
Aerospace & Defense$61,544$30.011%

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

Understanding how a Machine Operator IV'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
$49,625
Average $55,445/year
$62,109
$4,135
Average $4,620/month
$5,176
$954
Average $1,066/week
$1,194
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $62,109 $5,176 $1,194 $30
Average $55,445 $4,620 $1,066 $27
25th Percentile $49,625 $4,135 $954 $24

Machine Operator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Machine Operator IV, 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.

Machine Operator IV Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Machine Operator Supervisor $80,555 45%
Machine Shop Production Supervisor I $65,704 19%
Packaging Supervisor $84,517 52%

Most common benefits for Machine Operator IV

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

Common company salaries for Machine Operator IV

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

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FAQ about Machine Operator IV

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

A Machine Operator IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Machine Operator IV is $69,933.

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

The highest pay for Machine Operator IV is $68,176.

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

The lowest pay for Machine Operator IV is $44,326.

4. What are the responsibilities of Machine Operator IV?

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. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Machine Operator IV?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Operator IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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