As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Laborer/Machine Operator in the United States is $40,861 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a General Laborer/Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Laborer/Machine 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 General Laborer/Machine 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 |
|---|---|
| General L... Level General Laborer/Machine Operator | $40,628 |
| Machine O... Level General Laborer/Machine Operator | $45,148 |
| Machine O... Level General Laborer/Machine Operator | $51,213 |
| Machine O... Level General Laborer/Machine Operator | $55,071 |
| Machine O... Level General Laborer/Machine Operator | $79,923 |
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 General Laborer/Machine 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
|
$43,721 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$42,495 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$42,087 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$42,087 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$41,678 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$41,678 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Laborer/Machine 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 General Laborer/Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $37,041 and $39,424).
General Laborer/Machine 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 General Laborer/Machine 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a General Laborer/Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,985 in 2023 to around $37,459 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Laborer/Machine Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $37,985 |
| 2024 | $37,711 |
| 2025 | $37,459 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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