As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator IV in South Dakota is $50,394 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Machine Operator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Operator II | 1-3 years | $41,327 |
| Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $46,888 |
| Machine Operator IV | 5-7 years | $50,394 |
| Machine Operator Supervisor | 7+ years | $73,195 |
| Machine Operator Senior Supervisor | 7+ years | $79,731 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $56,365. While startup companies pay approximate $47,668.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,668 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $50,416 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $54,431 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $56,365 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $60,473 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $60,473 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $59,465 | $29.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $57,953 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $55,937 | $27.0 | 11% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Operator Supervisor | $73,195 | 45% |
| Machine Shop Production Supervisor I | $59,702 | 18% |
| Packaging Supervisor | $76,792 | 52% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Operator IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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