As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Milling Machine Operator in Iowa is $47,936 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Milling Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Milling Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $53,144 | $4,429 | $1,022 | $26 |
| Average | $47,936 | $3,995 | $922 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,948 | $3,579 | $826 | $21 |
Cargill - Mason City, IA
Advance Services - , IA
Amcor - Centerville, IA
Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. - Williamsburg, IA
A Milling Machine Operator'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 Milling Machine Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Milling Machine Operator | $38,842 |
| Machine O... Level Milling Machine Operator | $43,166 |
| Milling M... Level Milling Machine Operator | $48,975 |
| Machine O... Level Milling Machine Operator | $52,637 |
| Machine O... Level Milling Machine Operator | $76,452 |
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 Milling Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Milling Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Milling Machine Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Milling Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $76,697 | $37.0 | 60% |
| Software & Networking | $71,903 | $35.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $67,110 | $32.0 | 40% |
Understanding how a Milling 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,144 | $4,429 | $1,022 | $26 |
| Average | $47,936 | $3,995 | $922 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,948 | $3,579 | $826 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Milling Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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