As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator 1 in the United States is $40,013 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Machine Operator 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Operator 1'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 Machine Operator 1'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 Machine Operator 1 | $39,786 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator 1 | $44,215 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator 1 | $50,169 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator 1 | $53,909 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator 1 | $78,324 |
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 Machine Operator 1s. 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
|
$42,814 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$41,613 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$41,213 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$41,213 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$40,813 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$40,813 |
2%
|
For Machine Operator 1 roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Operator 1 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $54,017 | $26.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $52,017 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Media | $50,016 | $24.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $48,015 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $46,015 | $22.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Operator 1s 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 Machine Operator 1 with a No Diploma is between $37,041 and $39,424).
Machine Operator 1 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 Machine Operator 1'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Machine Operator 1 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,197 in 2023 to around $36,682 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Operator 1 salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $37,197 |
| 2024 | $36,928 |
| 2025 | $36,682 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Operator 1 roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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