As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Feeder Operator in the United States is $46,056 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Feeder Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Feeder 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 Feeder 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 Feeder Operator | $41,120 |
| Feeder Op... Level Feeder Operator | $45,697 |
| Machine O... Level Feeder Operator | $51,846 |
| Machine O... Level Feeder Operator | $55,723 |
| Machine O... Level Feeder Operator | $80,935 |
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 Feeder Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.99% |
| Machine Operation | 3.23% |
| Container | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$49,740 |
8%
|
|
Dedication
|
$49,279 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$47,898 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,437 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$47,437 |
3%
|
|
SOP
|
$46,977 |
2%
|
For Feeder 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, Feeder Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Feeder Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $59,872 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $57,570 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $55,267 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $52,964 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $50,661 | $24.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Feeder 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 Feeder Operator with a No Diploma is between $44,700 and $47,709).
Feeder Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 85.7% |
| High School | 85.7% |
| Associates | 9.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Feeder 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Feeder Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,273 in 2023 to around $42,310 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Feeder Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,273 |
| 2024 | $42,425 |
| 2025 | $42,310 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Media industry offers the highest average compensation for Feeder Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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