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Packaging Machine Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Machine Operator III in the United States is $49,382 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,413
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,707 to $55,156
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,451
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Packaging Machine Operator III Salaries

A Packaging 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.

How Experience Level Affects Packaging Machine Operator III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Packaging 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:

  • Packaging Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $38,895
  • Packaging Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Packaging Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $49,382
  • Packaging Supervisor (5+ years): $84,517
  • Packaging Manager (5+ years): $114,291
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Packaging Machine Operator I0-1 years$38,895
Packaging Machine Operator II1-3 years$44,464
Packaging Machine Operator III3-5 years$49,382
Packaging Supervisor5+ years$84,517
Packaging Manager5+ years$114,291
View as Graph

How Do Packaging Machine Operator IIIs 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 Packaging Machine Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,676.
  • California: $54,468.
  • Massachusetts: $53,742.

Top Paying Cities for Packaging Machine Operator III

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: $62,286
  • San Francisco: $61,604
  • Oakland: $60,305

What Skills Can Increase a Packaging Machine Operator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 3.68% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Product Quality (Mentioned in 2.35% Job Postings): Product quality refers to how well a product satisfies customer needs, serves its purpose and meets industry standards. When evaluating product quality, businesses consider several key factors, including whether a product solves a problem, works efficiently or suits customers' purposes.
  • SOP (Mentioned in 1.53% Job Postings): SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 3.68%
Product Quality 2.35%
SOP 1.53%
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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 Packaging Machine Operator III's salary.

  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation $54,814
11%
Process Improvement $54,814
11%
Team Operations $54,320
10%
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Packaging Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Packaging Machine Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,280. While startup companies pay approximate $46,766.

Packaging Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,766
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,460
Established 501~5000 $53,383
Enterprise 5000+ $55,280

Packaging Machine Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Packaging Machine Operator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Packaging Machine Operator positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Packaging Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Packaging Machine Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$61,728$30.025%
Energy & Utilities$59,258$28.020%
Biotechnology$56,789$27.015%
Software & Networking$56,789$27.015%
Aerospace & Defense$54,320$26.010%

How Education impacts an Packaging Machine Operator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packaging Machine Operator III 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 Packaging Machine Operator III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $49,728 and $53,267.

Packaging Machine Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Packaging Machine Operator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 87.5%
High School 87.5%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 12.5%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Packaging Machine Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Packaging 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 August 01, 2026
$44,707
Average $49,382/year
$55,156
$3,726
Average $4,115/month
$4,596
$860
Average $950/week
$1,061
$21
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,156 $4,596 $1,061 $27
Average $49,382 $4,115 $950 $24
25th Percentile $44,707 $3,726 $860 $21

Packaging Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Packaging Machine Operator III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Packaging Machine Operator III, 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 IV $55,445 12%
Machinist IV $73,364 49%
CNC Machine Operator IV $71,330 44%
Packaging Supervisor $84,517 71%

Most common benefits for Packaging Machine Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Packaging Machine Operator III

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

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FAQ about Packaging Machine Operator III

1. Where can a Packaging Machine Operator III earn the most?

A Packaging Machine Operator III'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 Packaging Machine Operator III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Packaging Machine Operator III is $62,286.

2. What is the highest pay for Packaging Machine Operator III?

The highest pay for Packaging Machine Operator III is $60,413.

3. What is the lowest pay for Packaging Machine Operator III?

The lowest pay for Packaging Machine Operator III is $40,451.

4. What are the responsibilities of Packaging Machine Operator III?

Sets up and operates a packaging machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Fills, secures, and labels containers according to company and/or customer specifications. Verifies goods packaged against package invoices. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. Documents inventory number and weight and organizes packages. May make minor repairs to packaging equipment as needed. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. 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.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Packaging Machine Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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