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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in North Carolina is $42,875 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 | $47,425 | $3,952 | $912 | $23 |
| Average | $42,875 | $3,573 | $825 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,721 | $3,227 | $745 | $19 |
AtWork Personnel - Enka, NC
Camfil USA Inc. - Conover, NC
Express Employment Professionals - Goldsboro, NC
Service Thread - Laurinburg, NC
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 | $38,279 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $42,541 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $48,269 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $51,867 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $75,357 |
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 | $55,738 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $53,594 | $26.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $51,450 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $49,307 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,163 | $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 | $47,425 | $3,952 | $912 | $23 |
| Average | $42,875 | $3,573 | $825 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,721 | $3,227 | $745 | $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.
Revere Copper Products, Inc.
Mebane, NC
Revere Copper Products, Inc. | Mebane, NC
Production Team Member. REVERE is here. Join our awesome team. Our mission is to be the best in the world at what we do and have fun doing it. This means u... more
2 Days Ago
Kent Elastomer Products, Inc.
Valdese, NC
Kent Elastomer Products, Inc. | Valdese, NC
Winder Operator. Meridian Specialty Yarn Group, Inc. Valdese is seeking winder operators for our third shift. The hours are 12:00am-8:00am Monday-Friday. M... more
2 Days Ago
Gannett
Gastonia, NC
Gannett | Gastonia, NC
Machine Operator. Gannett Publishing Services Gastonia, NC. Starting hourly wage of $16.50 per hour. Machine maintenance experience is required. Job duties... more
3 Days Ago
AtWork
High Point, NC
AtWork | High Point, NC
Job Title. Responsibilities. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a conti... more
3 Days Ago
Magnera Corporation
Mount Holly, NC
Magnera Corporation | Mount Holly, NC
Machine Operator. Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delive... more
3 Days Ago
Gildan Activewear
Mocksville, NC
Gildan Activewear | Mocksville, NC
The Opportunity. Onsite / Generic applicants at Mocksville plant. What's In It For You. Join a leader in apparel manufacturing with strong safety and envir... more
3 Days Ago
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