How Much Does a Manufacturing Machine Operator make?

Manufacturing Machine Operator made a median salary around $44,719 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $50,617 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $39,930. 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 Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Erie, Pennsylvania

Machine Operator

Core Resource Group - East Stroudsburg, PA

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator

Staff Management | SMX - Pittsburgh, PA

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Best-Paying Cities for Manufacturing Machine Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Manufacturing Machine Operator profession are Matamoras , Newtown , Fairless Hills , Langhorne , Washington Crossing .
Matamoras, PA $55,207
Newtown, PA $53,194
Fairless Hills, PA $53,194
Langhorne, PA $53,194
Washington Crossing, PA $53,194

Best-Paying States for Manufacturing Machine Operator

The states and districts that pay Manufacturing Machine Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $54,368) , California (around $54,161) , Massachusetts (around $53,440) , Washington (around $53,243) , and New Jersey (around $53,224) .
District of Columbia $54,368
California $54,161
Massachusetts $53,440
Washington $53,243
New Jersey $53,224

What is the Career Path of Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing Machine Operator, the first career path typically progresses to Injection Molding Machine Operator III.

The second career path typically starts with a Machine Operator III position , and then progresses to Machine Operator Supervisor.

The third career path typically starts with a Machinist III position , and then progresses to Machine Shop Production Supervisor I.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator II position , and then progresses to Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III.

Besides, Manufacturing Machine Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Manufacturing Associate Machine Operator , Entry SMT Machine Operator , SMT Machine Operator I and Intermediate SMT Machine Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Manufacturing Machine Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Manufacturing Machine Operator in Erie, PA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Manufacturing Machine Operator in Erie, PA earned an average annual salary of $39,930 , while the highest-paid made $50,617.
Q: What is the salary for a Manufacturing Machine Operator in California?
A: Manufacturing Machine Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $54,161 in 2025.

Average Manufacturing Machine Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Manufacturing Machine Operator earned an average salary of $44,719 in 2025. Other jobs related to Manufacturing Machine Operator earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Manufacturing Associate Machine Operator made $45,733 , Entry SMT Machine Operator made $32,800 , SMT Machine Operator I and Intermediate SMT Machine Operator made $32,720 and $40,500 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Manufacturing Machine Operator

Manufacturing Associate Machine Operator - Average Salary $45,733
There is currently no job description for Manufacturing Associate Machine Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Manufacturing Associate Machine Operator.
Entry SMT Machine Operator - Average Salary $32,800
The Entry SMT Machine Operator is responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Being an Entry SMT Machine Operator may be responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. In addition, Entry SMT Machine Operator requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being an Entry SMT Machine 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.
SMT Machine Operator I - Average Salary $32,720
The SMT Machine Operator I is responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Being a SMT Machine Operator I may be responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. In addition, SMT Machine Operator I requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a SMT Machine Operator I 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.
Intermediate SMT Machine Operator - Average Salary $40,500
The Intermediate SMT Machine Operator is responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Being an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator is responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. In addition, Intermediate SMT Machine Operator may be responsible for occasional SMT repair. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. May be entry level if some experience in the skill. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision.
SMT Machine Operator II - Average Salary $40,490
The SMT Machine Operator II is responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Being a SMT Machine Operator II is responsible for quality assurance and documentation. Monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. In addition, SMT Machine Operator II may be responsible for occasional SMT repair. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as a SMT Machine Operator II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. May be entry level if some experience in the skill. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision.