How Much Does an Operator III make?

Operator III made a median salary around $54,328 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $61,397 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $48,434. 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 Operator jobs in Fargo, North Dakota

Health Physicist III

Yale New Haven Health - NEW HAVEN, CT

RN PER DIEM III

University of New Mexico - Hospitals - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

RN PER DIEM III

University of New Mexico - Hospitals - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

RN PER DIEM III

University of New Mexico - Hospitals - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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Best-Paying Cities for Operator III

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Operator III profession are Baldwin , Bismarck , Mandan , Menoken , Saint Anthony .
Baldwin, ND $56,123
Bismarck, ND $56,123
Mandan, ND $56,123
Menoken, ND $56,123
Saint Anthony, ND $55,558

Best-Paying States for Operator III

The states and districts that pay Operator III the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $62,483) , California (around $62,246) , Massachusetts (around $61,416) , Washington (around $61,190) , and New Jersey (around $61,168) .
District of Columbia $62,483
California $62,246
Massachusetts $61,416
Washington $61,190
New Jersey $61,168

What is the Career Path of Operator III?

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 Operator III, the first career path typically progresses to Machine Operator Supervisor.

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

The third career path typically progresses to Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Packaging Supervisor position , and then progresses to Packaging Manager.

Besides, Operator III can also turn to other related jobs, including Machine Operator III , Press Operator III , Boiler Operator III and Fab Operator III .

Frequently Asked Questions for Operator III

Q: What is the salary range of Operator III in Fargo, ND?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Operator III in Fargo, ND earned an average annual salary of $48,434 , while the highest-paid made $61,397.
Q: What is the salary for an Operator III in California?
A: Operator III employed in California earned an average salary of $62,246 in 2025.

Average Operator III Pay vs. Other Jobs

Operator III earned an average salary of $54,328 in 2025. Other jobs related to Operator III earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Machine Operator III made $49,619 , Press Operator III made $58,448 , Boiler Operator III and Fab Operator III made $65,500 and $45,900 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Operator III

Machine Operator III - Average Salary $49,619
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.
Press Operator III - Average Salary $58,448
Completes print production jobs on various types of printing press machines, including digital, flexographic, web, screen, or others. Reviews job specifications and complete setup tasks, including filling ink, calibrating machine, and loading stock. Conducts visual inspection of samples prior to running job. Performs in-process quality inspections utilizing standard testing protocols. Completes all required production logs and documentation. Interprets equipment diagnostics, troubleshoots breakdowns, and makes necessary adjustments to complete the job. Performs regular maintenance, cleaning, and changeovers of press from one job to another. Maintains a clean and safe workspace. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
Boiler Operator III - Average Salary $65,500
The Senior Boiler Operator ensures that equipment is operating safely and within established limits. Operates, repairs, and maintains stationary equipment including boilers, generators, refrigeration, and turbines in buildings, plants or industrial facilities. Being a Senior Boiler Operator performs preventative maintenance and documents completed procedures. Conducts monitoring and failure analysis of meters, gauges and controls to determine the need for repair or replacement of parts. In addition, Senior Boiler Operator may require HAZMAT/EPA certification and experience. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a manager. Requires completion of apprenticeship. Requires licenses for applicable state and equipment class. Being a Senior Boiler Operator has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Working as a Senior Boiler Operator typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
Fab Operator III - Average Salary $45,900
The Fab Operator III performs the basic processes of production, such as baking, aligning, inspecting, etching, and cleaning the wafers. Manufactures wafers under general supervision. Being a Fab Operator III may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Tracks the production queue and ensures the quality of final product; provides reports to management. In addition, Fab Operator III typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a Fab Operator III has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Working as a Fab Operator III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Drill Operator III - Average Salary $66,000
The Drill Operator III assembles and prepares rig equipment for use and monitors and adjusts equipment as necessary. Operates rig equipment and tools in compliance with safety regulations and functional specifications. Being a Drill Operator III maintains detailed records on activities, inspections, and maintenance in compliance with required regulatory standards. Responsible for pre-operational checks and post-operational servicing to prevent wear and ensure continuous operation. In addition, Drill Operator III may require a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Drill Operator III works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Working as a Drill Operator III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.