Operator, Assembly Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Operator, Assembly Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operator, Assembly Operator in the United States is $55,940 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an Operator, Assembly Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,357
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,523 to $60,869
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,501

Key Factors That Influence Operator, Assembly Operator Salaries

An Operator, Assembly Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Operator, Assembly Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Operator, Assembly Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $61,937.
  • California: $61,702.
  • Massachusetts: $60,880.

Top Paying Cities for Operator, Assembly Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $70,558
  • San Francisco: $69,785
  • Oakland: $68,314

What Skills Can Increase an Operator, Assembly Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.52% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 2.52% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • 5S (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): Stands for sort, sustain, set in order, standardized and shine. 5 tips that are designed to achieve clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized workplace for a more systematized work flow.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.52%
Schematic 2.52%
5S 1.88%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Operator, Assembly Operator's salary.

  • Repairing: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Installation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Welding: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Repairing $61,534
10%
Installation $58,737
5%
Welding $58,178
4%

Operator, Assembly Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Operator, Assembly Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Operator, Assembly Operator positions in Transportation or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operator, Assembly Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Operator, Assembly Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$72,722$35.030%
Aerospace & Defense$67,128$32.020%
MFG Durable$61,534$30.010%

How Education impacts an Operator, Assembly Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operator, Assembly 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 an Operator, Assembly Operator with a No Diploma is between $53,642 and $57,558).

Operator, Assembly Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Operator, Assembly Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 66.7%
High School 66.7%
Associates 26.7%
Bachelors 6.7%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Operator, Assembly Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Operator, Assembly 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 September 01, 2026
$51,523
Average $55,940/year
$60,869
$4,294
Average $4,662/month
$5,072
$991
Average $1,076/week
$1,171
$25
Average $27/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,869 $5,072 $1,171 $29
Average $55,940 $4,662 $1,076 $27
25th Percentile $51,523 $4,294 $991 $25

Most common benefits for Operator, Assembly Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Operator, Assembly Operator

Here are companies hiring for Operator, Assembly Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Operator, Assembly Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Operator, Assembly Operator?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Operator, Assembly Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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