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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Operator in South Carolina is $43,491 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Lead Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $48,106 | $4,009 | $925 | $23 |
| Average | $43,491 | $3,624 | $836 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,277 | $3,273 | $755 | $19 |
Bridges Staffing - Charleston, SC
D&W Fine Pack - Fountain Inn, SC
Bausch + Lomb - Greenville, SC
Quad - Spartanburg, SC
A Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead Operator | $38,828 |
| Lead Oper... Level Lead Operator | $43,151 |
| Machine O... Level Lead Operator | $48,961 |
| Machine O... Level Lead Operator | $52,612 |
| Machine O... Level Lead Operator | $76,439 |
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 Lead 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 Lead Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $56,538 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $54,363 | $26.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $52,189 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $50,014 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,840 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 | $48,106 | $4,009 | $925 | $23 |
| Average | $43,491 | $3,624 | $836 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,277 | $3,273 | $755 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Bridges Staffing
Charleston, SC
Bridges Staffing | Charleston, SC
Job Description. Job Description. Attention earth-moving fine-grade heavy equipment operators living in the Charleston, SC, area. We have several lead oper... more
8 Days Ago
Refresco
Greer, SC
Refresco | Greer, SC
Refresco - - Responsibilities: Adhere to health and safety policies and GMPs, wear PPE in warehouse or production areas. Acquire in-depth operational knowl... more
8 Days Ago
Bridges Staffing
Summerville, SC
Bridges Staffing | Summerville, SC
About the JobCan you scratch your head with the bucket of an Excavator. Do you love earth-moving and completing infrastructure and underground utility proj... more
6 Days Ago
State Utility Contractors, Inc.
Saluda, SC
State Utility Contractors, Inc. | Saluda, SC
Job Description. Job Description. Candidates for the Pipe Crew Lead / Excavator Operator position should have the skills and knowledge to perform the follo... more
7 Days Ago
Builders FirstSource
Columbia, SC
Builders FirstSource | Columbia, SC
Builders FirstSource - 130 Pinnacle Point Drive - Responsibilities: Operates specialized machines such as door router, stair router, welder, plate cutter, ... more
9 Days Ago
Repligen
SHREWSBURY, MA
Repligen | SHREWSBURY, MA
At a Glance Company: Repligen Location: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Job Type: Full-Time Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 per year (DOE) Shift: Day Shift (fle... more
7 Days Ago
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