As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Brake Operator in the United States is $41,509 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Brake Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Brake Operator'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.
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 Brake Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.3% |
| Hydraulics | 3.2% |
| Quality Checks | 1.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$46,075 |
11%
|
|
Installation
|
$45,659 |
10%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$45,659 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$44,829 |
8%
|
|
CNC
|
$44,414 |
7%
|
|
Programming
|
$43,999 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Brake Operators 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 Brake Operator with a No Diploma is between $37,035 and $40,054).
Brake Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 15.4% |
| High School | 53.8% |
| Associates | 23.1% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Brake Operator'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 June 01, 2026Salaries for a Brake Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $39,048 in 2023 to around $38,508 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Brake Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $39,048 |
| 2024 | $38,766 |
| 2025 | $38,508 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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