How Much Does an Equipment Operators make?

Equipment Operators made a median salary around $38,761 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $43,241 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $35,175. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Equipment Operators jobs in Waterloo, Iowa

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Best-Paying Cities for Equipment Operators

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Equipment Operators profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $41,431
Carpenter, IA $41,431
Chester, IA $41,431
Grafton, IA $41,431
Joice, IA $41,431

Best-Paying States for Equipment Operators

The states and districts that pay Equipment Operators the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $46,438) , California (around $46,020) , New Jersey (around $45,728) , Alaska (around $45,436) , and Massachusetts (around $45,395) .
District of Columbia $46,438
California $46,020
New Jersey $45,728
Alaska $45,436
Massachusetts $45,395

What is the Career Path of Equipment Operators?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Equipment Operators, the first career path typically progresses to Extrusion Operator, Sr..

The second career path typically starts with an Injection Molding Machine Operator II position , and then progresses to Injection Molding Machine Operator III.

The third career path typically starts with a Machine Operator II position , and then progresses to Machine Operator III.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Machinist II position , and then progresses to Machinist III.

Besides, Equipment Operators can also turn to other related jobs, including Process Operators , Production Operators , Assembly Operators and Print Operators .

Frequently Asked Questions for Equipment Operators

Q: What is the salary range of Equipment Operators in Waterloo, IA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Equipment Operators in Waterloo, IA earned an average annual salary of $35,175 , while the highest-paid made $43,241.
Q: What is the salary for an Equipment Operators in California?
A: Equipment Operators employed in California earned an average salary of $46,020 in 2025.

Average Equipment Operators Pay vs. Other Jobs

Equipment Operators earned an average salary of $38,761 in 2025. Other jobs related to Equipment Operators earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Process Operators made $49,938 , Production Operators made $50,542 , Assembly Operators and Print Operators made $43,083 and $40,069 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Equipment Operators

Process Operators - Average Salary $49,938
There is currently no job description for Process Operators, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Process Operators.
Production Operators - Average Salary $50,542
There is currently no job description for Production Operators, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Production Operators.
Assembly Operators - Average Salary $43,083
There is currently no job description for Assembly Operators, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Assembly Operators.
Print Operators - Average Salary $40,069
There is currently no job description for Print Operators, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Print Operators.
Foremen&Forestry Operators - Average Salary $88,730
There is currently no job description for Foremen&Forestry Operators, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Foremen&Forestry Operators.