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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in Iowa is $43,178 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
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 | $47,759 | $3,980 | $918 | $23 |
| Average | $43,178 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,994 | $3,249 | $750 | $19 |
Amcor - Centerville, IA
Power Brace Manufacturing - Ankeny, IA
UFP Industries - Tipton, IA
Express Employment Professionals - Boone, IA
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 | $38,549 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $42,841 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $48,609 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $52,233 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $75,889 |
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 | $56,131 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $53,972 | $26.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $51,813 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $49,654 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,495 | $23.0 | 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 | $47,759 | $3,980 | $918 | $23 |
| Average | $43,178 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,994 | $3,249 | $750 | $19 |
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.
Sika
Ames, IA
Sika | Ames, IA
Company Description With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of s... more
5 Days Ago
Fair Oaks Foods, LLC
Davenport, IA
Fair Oaks Foods, LLC | Davenport, IA
Position Summary The Production Machine Operator will safely control various machines and equipment involved in production.Responsibilities Contribute to p... more
5 Days Ago
Advance Services
, IA
Advance Services | , IA
Machine Operator. Dyserville, IA 52040. Pay Rate: $18.00+. Job Description. Machine Operator 2nd Shift Location: Dyersville, IA Pay: $18.00+ Schedule: Mond... more
5 Days Ago
QPS
Eldridge, IA
QPS | Eldridge, IA
Machine Operator. $18.00 per hour. 2nd shift. 2:00pm-10:00pm. QPS Employment Group has a great Machine Operator position available at a company in Eldridge... more
5 Days Ago
Shearer's Snacks
Burlington, IA
Shearer's Snacks | Burlington, IA
Machine Technician I - Burlington. This position is responsible for operating mechanized equipment used in food production. The Machine Technician 1 will t... more
6 Days Ago
Clarios
Red Oak, IA
Clarios | Red Oak, IA
Machine Operator (PowerFrame). Location: Red Oak, IA. Pay: Starting at $22.67 to $26.67 on average in 90 days (Shift premium for night shift if $1). Pay Fr... more
6 Days Ago
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