How Much Does a General Laborer/Machine Operator make?

General Laborer/Machine Operator made a median salary around $39,929 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $44,544 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $36,235. 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 General Laborer/Machine Operator jobs in Iowa

General Operator

DuPont de Nemours, Inc. - Fort Madison, IA

CDL-A Owner Operator

Ozark Motor Lines - OWENSBORO, KY

CDL-A Owner Operator

Ozark Motor Lines - BOWLING GREEN, KY

Class A OTR Owner Operator

US Expediting & Logistics LLC - VANDALIA, OH

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Best-Paying Cities for General Laborer/Machine Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the General Laborer/Machine Operator 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 General Laborer/Machine Operator

The states and districts that pay General Laborer/Machine Operator 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 General Laborer/Machine Operator?

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 General Laborer/Machine Operator, 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, General Laborer/Machine Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including General Operator , General Production Operator , General Laborer/Forklift Operator and Switchboard Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for General Laborer/Machine Operator

Q: What is the salary range of General Laborer/Machine Operator in Iowa?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid General Laborer/Machine Operator in Iowa earned an average annual salary of $36,235 , while the highest-paid made $44,544.
Q: What is the salary for a General Laborer/Machine Operator in California?
A: General Laborer/Machine Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $46,020 in 2025.

Average General Laborer/Machine Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

General Laborer/Machine Operator earned an average salary of $39,929 in 2025. Other jobs related to General Laborer/Machine Operator earned the following average salary in March, 2025. General Operator made $41,619 , General Production Operator made $39,929 , General Laborer/Forklift Operator and Switchboard Operator made $41,784 and $38,016 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of General Laborer/Machine Operator

General Operator - Average Salary $41,619
There is currently no job description for General Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for General Operator.
General Production Operator - Average Salary $39,929
There is currently no job description for General Production Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for General Production Operator.
General Laborer/Forklift Operator - Average Salary $41,784
There is currently no job description for General Laborer/Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for General Laborer/Forklift Operator.
Switchboard Operator - Average Salary $38,016
Switchboard Operator operates a switchboard or telephone console to route incoming calls and place outgoing calls. Answers incoming calls and basic questions, transfers calls to extensions, and responds to emergency situations as necessary. Being a Switchboard Operator monitors the phone system's efficiency and performs routine troubleshooting. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, Switchboard Operator typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Switchboard Operator may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.
Surveillance Operator - Average Salary $38,108
Surveillance Operator operates all surveillance computer equipment. Monitors all areas of the property and closely observes a target game, staff member, or customer. Being a Surveillance Operator ensures compliance with applicable gaming regulations. Reports improper activity or disturbances to supervisor or security team for further investigation. Additionally, Surveillance Operator may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Surveillance Operator may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.