As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cell Operator in the United States is $114,271 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Cell Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cell Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $128,539 | $10,712 | $2,472 | $62 |
| Average | $114,271 | $9,523 | $2,198 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,449 | $8,287 | $1,912 | $48 |
L3Harris Technologies - CANOGA PARK, CA
Nine Energy Service - CHARLEROI, PA
Clean Harbors - REIDSVILLE, NC
Clean Harbors - DES MOINES, IA
A Cell 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 Cell 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 Cell Operator | $106,448 |
| Intermediate Level Cell Operator | $107,577 |
| Senior Level Cell Operator | $109,384 |
| Specialist Level Cell Operator | $111,641 |
| Expert Level Cell Operator | $115,320 |
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 Cell 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:
Understanding how a Cell 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 | $128,539 | $10,712 | $2,472 | $62 |
| Average | $114,271 | $9,523 | $2,198 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,449 | $8,287 | $1,912 | $48 |
Salaries for a Cell Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,758 in 2023 to around $100,891 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cell Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,758 |
| 2024 | $102,298 |
| 2025 | $100,891 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Cell Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Biotechnology
Biotechnology
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