As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator - Entry Level in the United States is $46,785 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Machine Operator - Entry Level's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Operator - Entry Level'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Operator - Entry Level'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machine Operator - Entry Level | $44,924 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Operator - Entry Level | $45,060 |
| Senior Level Machine Operator - Entry Level | $46,424 |
| Specialist Level Machine Operator - Entry Level | $48,229 |
| Expert Level Machine Operator - Entry Level | $48,950 |
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 Machine Operator - Entry Levels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.99% |
| Machine Operation | 3.23% |
| Container | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$50,528 |
8%
|
|
Dedication
|
$50,060 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,656 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$48,188 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$48,188 |
3%
|
|
SOP
|
$47,720 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Operator - Entry Levels enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Machine Operator - Entry Level with a No Diploma is between $44,700 and $47,709).
Machine Operator - Entry Level Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 85.7% |
| High School | 85.7% |
| Associates | 9.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Machine Operator - Entry Level'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Machine Operator - Entry Level can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,950 in 2023 to around $42,988 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Operator - Entry Level salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $42,950 |
| 2024 | $43,105 |
| 2025 | $42,988 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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