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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in Wisconsin is $44,382 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 | $49,092 | $4,091 | $944 | $24 |
| Average | $44,382 | $3,699 | $854 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,082 | $3,340 | $771 | $19 |
QPS Employment Group - Brillion, WI
John A Biewer Co Inc - Prentice, WI
Deltco Plastics - Ashland, WI
Brunner Wire Products - Elroy, WI
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 | $39,624 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $44,036 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $49,965 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $53,690 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $78,006 |
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 | $57,697 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $55,478 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $53,259 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $51,040 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,820 | $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 | $49,092 | $4,091 | $944 | $24 |
| Average | $44,382 | $3,699 | $854 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,082 | $3,340 | $771 | $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.
Aerotek
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Aerotek | Pleasant Prairie, WI
Machine Operator Job Description Join our dynamic team as a Machine Operator, where you will work in either the grinding department or the pack off departm... more
5 Days Ago
Trilliant Food
Little Chute, WI
Trilliant Food | Little Chute, WI
Want a Same Day Job Offer. We are hiring Machine Operators now. Steps:Apply now to this posting. We will reach out to you with a time and location if we ar... more
5 Days Ago
Flex-Staff
Colfax, WI
Flex-Staff | Colfax, WI
MACHINE OPERATORS PAY:$20.50/hr HOURS:6:45am to 5:15pm, rotating Mon-Thurs & Mon-Fri MACHINE OPERATOR EXPERIENCE PREFERRED We are seeking MACHINE OPERATORS... more
5 Days Ago
Arcosa
Hager City, WI
Arcosa | Hager City, WI
Job Posting. Meyer Utility Structures is currently looking to hire 2nd shift Machine Operators for our plant located in Hager City WI. As a Machine Operato... more
5 Days Ago
Parallel Employment
Fort Atkinson, WI
Parallel Employment | Fort Atkinson, WI
Job Position. Essential Functions. Follow all safety policies. Assist with set up of machine. Assist with operation of production equipment. Assist with cl... more
5 Days Ago
Parallel Employment
Stoughton, WI
Parallel Employment | Stoughton, WI
Machine Operator. Parallel Employment is seeking a dedicated Machine Operator for a food manufacturing client. In this role, you will be responsible for op... more
5 Days Ago
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