Salary AI Book a Demo

Wood Machine Operator Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wood Machine Operator in the United States is $36,088 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,326
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $27,067 to $45,111
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $18,854
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Wood Machine Operator Salaries

A Wood Machine Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Wood Machine Operators 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 Wood Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $39,957.
  • California: $39,805.
  • Massachusetts: $39,275.

Top Paying Cities for Wood Machine Operator

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: $45,518
  • San Francisco: $45,019
  • Oakland: $44,071

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

Wood Machine Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $36,088. While startup companies pay approximate $36,088.

Wood Machine Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,088
Growth Stage 51~500 $36,088
Established 501~5000 $36,088
Enterprise 5000+ $36,088

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

Understanding how a Wood Machine Operator'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
$27,067
Average $36,088/year
$45,111
$2,256
Average $3,007/month
$3,759
$521
Average $694/week
$868
$13
Average $17/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,111 $3,759 $868 $22
Average $36,088 $3,007 $694 $17
25th Percentile $27,067 $2,256 $521 $13

Wood Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Wood Machine Operator

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Wood Machine Operator, 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
Injection Molding Machine Operator III $56,668 57%
Machine Operator III $51,603 43%
Machinist III $65,787 82%
CNC Machine Operator III $62,747 74%

Most common benefits for Wood Machine Operator

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

Find Your Next Wood Machine Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Wood Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Wood Machine Operator

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

A Wood Machine Operator'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 Wood Machine Operator earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Wood Machine Operator is $45,518.

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

The highest pay for Wood Machine Operator is $53,326.

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

The lowest pay for Wood Machine Operator is $18,854.

4. What are the responsibilities of Wood Machine Operator?

Sets-up and operates a wood machine. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst