As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Setup Operator in the United States is $40,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Machine Setup Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Setup 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Setup 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machine Setup Operator | $40,459 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Setup Operator | $40,710 |
| Senior Level Machine Setup Operator | $41,269 |
| Specialist Level Machine Setup Operator | $41,641 |
| Expert Level Machine Setup Operator | $41,734 |
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 Setup Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.86% |
| Machine Operation | 3.15% |
| Container | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CNC
|
$43,809 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$42,581 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$42,171 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$42,171 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$41,762 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$41,762 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Setup Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Machine Setup Operator with a No Diploma is between $37,041 and $39,424).
Machine Setup Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.4% |
| High School | 69.8% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 7.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Machine Setup 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Machine Setup Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,061 in 2023 to around $37,534 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Setup Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $38,061 |
| 2024 | $37,787 |
| 2025 | $37,534 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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