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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in Arkansas is $40,759 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,084 | $3,757 | $867 | $22 |
| Average | $40,759 | $3,397 | $784 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,810 | $3,067 | $708 | $18 |
Onin Staffing - Walnut Ridge, AR
CRH - North Little Rock, AR
Onin Staffing - Fort Smith, AR
Onin Staffing - Heber Springs, AR
A 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 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 Machine Operator | $36,390 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $40,441 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $45,886 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $49,308 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $71,638 |
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 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 Machine 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, Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $52,987 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $50,949 | $24.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $48,911 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $46,873 | $23.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $44,835 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a 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 | $45,084 | $3,757 | $867 | $22 |
| Average | $40,759 | $3,397 | $784 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,810 | $3,067 | $708 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
American Axle & Manufacturing
Subiaco, AR
American Axle & Manufacturing | Subiaco, AR
Machine Operator. The Subiaco Manufacturing Facility has a variety of manufacturing positions available. Positions can involve the process of machining bar... more
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Alpla
Marked Tree, AR
Alpla | Marked Tree, AR
Job Title. Location 301 Industrial St., Marked Tree, AR, 72365, United States. Employee Type Non-Exempt. Required Degree High School. Functional Area Produ... more
3 Days Ago
Onin Staffing
Pocahontas, AR
Onin Staffing | Pocahontas, AR
Machine Operator. Pocahontas, AR. This is an amazing opportunity for mechanically inclined individuals to enjoy competitive pay rates and lots of available... more
3 Days Ago
ALPLA Group
Marked Tree, AR
ALPLA Group | Marked Tree, AR
Build a Career, Not Just a Job. Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands, includin... more
4 Days Ago
Onin Staffing
Paragould, AR
Onin Staffing | Paragould, AR
Machine Operator. Paragould, AR. Overview. This is an amazing opportunity for manufacturing enthusiasts to earn $15.12 to $20.50 hourly with career growth ... more
4 Days Ago
Amcor
Hot Springs National Park, AR
Amcor | Hot Springs National Park, AR
Machine Operator. Full time Americas - North America - United States - Hot Springs - RPSNA Hot Springs AR. This position manages and verifies that the prod... more
5 Days Ago
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