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Milling Machine Operator I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Milling Machine Operator I in the United States is $44,668 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,301
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,670 to $48,140
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,940
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Milling Machine Operator I Salaries

A Milling 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Milling Machine Operator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Milling 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $44,444
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,031
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $45,549
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,704
  • Expert (over 8 years): $45,808
Levels Salary
Entry Level Milling Machine Operator I$44,444
Intermediate Level Milling Machine Operator I$45,031
Senior Level Milling Machine Operator I$45,549
Specialist Level Milling Machine Operator I$45,704
Expert Level Milling Machine Operator I$45,808
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How Do Milling 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 Milling Machine Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,456.
  • California: $49,269.
  • Massachusetts: $48,612.

Top Paying Cities for Milling 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: $56,340
  • San Francisco: $55,723
  • Oakland: $54,549

Milling Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Milling 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 $49,918. While startup companies pay approximate $42,226.

Milling Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,226
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,658
Established 501~5000 $48,203
Enterprise 5000+ $49,918

Milling Machine Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Milling Machine Operator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Milling Machine Operator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Milling Machine Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Milling Machine Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$67,002$32.050%
Biotechnology$67,002$32.050%
Business Services$67,002$32.050%
Chemicals$67,002$32.050%
Construction$67,002$32.050%

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

Understanding how a Milling 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 September 01, 2026
$41,670
Average $44,668/year
$48,140
$3,473
Average $3,722/month
$4,012
$801
Average $859/week
$926
$20
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $48,140 $4,012 $926 $23
Average $44,668 $3,722 $859 $21
25th Percentile $41,670 $3,473 $801 $20

Milling Machine Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Milling Machine Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Milling 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. $54,604 22%
Injection Molding Machine Operator II $48,516 9%
Machine Operator II $45,476 2%
Milling Machine Operator II $52,128 17%

Most common benefits for Milling Machine Operator I

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

Common company salaries for Milling Machine Operator I

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

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FAQ about Milling Machine Operator I

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

A Milling 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 Milling Machine Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Milling Machine Operator I is $56,340.

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

The highest pay for Milling Machine Operator I is $51,301.

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

The lowest pay for Milling Machine Operator I is $38,940.

4. What are the responsibilities of Milling Machine Operator I?

Operates milling machines to shape raw materials according to blueprints and specifications. Loads and positions workpieces, selects tools, and sets machine parameters. Monitors machining operations and processes for quality, measures finished parts, and ensures conformance to tolerances. Performs routine maintenance such as lubrication and tool replacement. Maintains a safe and organized workspace. 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 Milling Machine Operator I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Milling Machine Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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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