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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in Washington is $48,921 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
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 | $54,112 | $4,509 | $1,041 | $26 |
| Average | $48,921 | $4,077 | $941 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,181 | $3,682 | $850 | $21 |
Lyneer Staffing Solutions - Seattle, WA
Portco Corporation - Woodland, WA
Legacy Talent Search - Vancouver, WA
thyssenkrupp - Auburn, WA
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 | $43,676 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $48,539 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $55,075 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $59,181 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $85,983 |
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 | $63,597 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $61,151 | $29.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $58,705 | $28.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $56,259 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $53,813 | $26.0 | 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 | $54,112 | $4,509 | $1,041 | $26 |
| Average | $48,921 | $4,077 | $941 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,181 | $3,682 | $850 | $21 |
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.
Mutual Materials Company
Tacoma, WA
Mutual Materials Company | Tacoma, WA
Machine Operator. Lakewood Plant - Tacoma, WA Start Date 07/23/2026. Salary Range $24.00 - $30.00 Hourly Level Entry Position Type Full Time Job Shift Any ... more
2 Days Ago
Elwood Staffing Services, Inc.
Centralia, WA
Elwood Staffing Services, Inc. | Centralia, WA
Machine Operator. Now Hiring: Manufacturing Operators in the Centralia area. Build products that power critical industries. Join a company with over 100 ye... more
3 Days Ago
Burton Mill Solutions
Woodland, WA
Burton Mill Solutions | Woodland, WA
Machine Operator. In 2021, Wood Fiber Group (now Burton Mill Solutions) and USNR merged to form Wood Technologies International, the world's most comprehen... more
4 Days Ago
Legacy Talent Search
Burlington, WA
Legacy Talent Search | Burlington, WA
Machine Operator. Legacy Talent Search is currently seeking candidates for a Machine Operator role in Burlington, WA. Our client is a well-established indu... more
4 Days Ago
Parker
Airway Heights, WA
Parker | Airway Heights, WA
Machine Operator. Uses established processes to set up, program, and operate various types of industrial grade machines to form, cut, bend, size, and/or ma... more
4 Days Ago
Alcal Specialty Contracting, Inc
Tacoma, WA
Alcal Specialty Contracting, Inc | Tacoma, WA
Machine Operator. Join a team that builds something real Production Machine Operator (Level I). If you want a hands-on manufacturing career, clear training... more
5 Days Ago
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