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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in Colorado is $46,033 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
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 | $50,918 | $4,243 | $979 | $24 |
| Average | $46,033 | $3,836 | $885 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,573 | $3,464 | $799 | $20 |
Barton Supply - Aurora, CO
Scotts Miracle-Gro - Brighton, CO
Allegion Plc - Colorado Springs, CO
Aerotek - Denver, CO
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 | $41,098 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $45,674 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $51,824 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $55,688 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $80,908 |
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 | $59,844 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $57,542 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $55,240 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $52,939 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $50,637 | $24.0 | 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 | $50,918 | $4,243 | $979 | $24 |
| Average | $46,033 | $3,836 | $885 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,573 | $3,464 | $799 | $20 |
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.
Indotronix International Corporation
Denver, CO
Indotronix International Corporation | Denver, CO
1st shift (4:00 AM - 4:30 PM) Pay rate:$23.75/hr 2nd shift (4:00 PM - 4:30 AM) Pay rate:$24.75/hr Responsibilities Operate advanced production equipment in... more
5 Days Ago
DeLine Box & Display
Denver, CO
DeLine Box & Display | Denver, CO
Deline Box Company. DeLine Box and Display is a corrugated box company that has been in business here in Denver for over 50 years. Dave DeLine, our current... more
5 Days Ago
Tharp Cabinet Company
Loveland, CO
Tharp Cabinet Company | Loveland, CO
Machine Operator. We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our cabinet manufacturing team. The Machine Operator is responsible... more
5 Days Ago
AtWork
Aurora, CO
AtWork | Aurora, CO
Machine Operator. We are looking for an enthusiastic machine operator. Salary: $20.07 hourly. Benefits: Health, vision, dental, 401K. Responsibilities. Ope... more
6 Days Ago
EarthFresh Foods, Inc.
Hooper, CO
EarthFresh Foods, Inc. | Hooper, CO
Machine Operator. We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our food production team. The Machine Operator is responsible for ... more
6 Days Ago
Kelly
Monument, CO
Kelly | Monument, CO
Machine Operator. A great job is waiting for you. Kelly has a strong history of placing amazing talent, just like you, in roles that turn into meaningful c... more
6 Days Ago
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