How Much Does a Machine Operator 1 make?

Machine Operator 1 made a median salary around $42,639 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $47,569 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $38,695. 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 Machine Operator 1 jobs in Illinois

Machine Operator

Sterling Engineering - Northlake, IL

Machine Operator

Sterling Engineering - Northlake, IL

CNC Machine Operator

Illinois Tool Works, Inc. - Lake Forest, IL

CNC Machine Operator II

Ingersoll Rand - Alsip, IL

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Best-Paying Cities for Machine Operator 1

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Machine Operator 1 profession are Berwyn , Chicago , Cicero , Elmwood Park , Forest Park .
Berwyn, IL $43,229
Chicago, IL $43,229
Cicero, IL $43,229
Elmwood Park, IL $43,229
Forest Park, IL $43,229

Best-Paying States for Machine Operator 1

The states and districts that pay Machine Operator 1 the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $46,316) , California (around $46,140) , Massachusetts (around $45,525) , Washington (around $45,358) , and New Jersey (around $45,341) .
District of Columbia $46,316
California $46,140
Massachusetts $45,525
Washington $45,358
New Jersey $45,341

What is the Career Path of Machine Operator 1?

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 Machine Operator 1, 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, Machine Operator 1 can also turn to other related jobs, including Tire Machine Operator , Wood Machine Operator , Sewing Machine Operator and Machine Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Machine Operator 1

Q: What is the salary range of Machine Operator 1 in Illinois?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Machine Operator 1 in Illinois earned an average annual salary of $38,695 , while the highest-paid made $47,569.
Q: What is the salary for a Machine Operator 1 in California?
A: Machine Operator 1 employed in California earned an average salary of $46,140 in 2025.

Average Machine Operator 1 Pay vs. Other Jobs

Machine Operator 1 earned an average salary of $42,639 in 2025. Other jobs related to Machine Operator 1 earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Tire Machine Operator made $34,435 , Wood Machine Operator made $35,582 , Sewing Machine Operator and Machine Operator made $38,433 and $50,051 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Machine Operator 1

Tire Machine Operator - Average Salary $34,435
Sets-up and operates machine to re-groove tread surface of pneumatic tires. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Wood Machine Operator - Average Salary $35,582
Sets-up and operates a wood machine. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Sewing Machine Operator - Average Salary $38,433
Operates various sewing machines to join parts of fabricated articles or garments. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Machine Operator - Average Salary $50,051
There is currently no job description for Machine Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Machine Operator.
Machine Operator III - Average Salary $52,536
Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Controls and adjusts machine settings to complete more complex tasks. May assist with training other machine operators. May calculate and assist with numeric controlled programming. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.