As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Factory Worker in the United States is $44,459 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Factory Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Factory Worker'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 Factory Worker'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 Factory Worker | $40,301 |
| Factory W... Level Factory Worker | $44,788 |
| Machine O... Level Factory Worker | $50,819 |
| Machine O... Level Factory Worker | $54,608 |
| Machine O... Level Factory Worker | $79,339 |
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 Factory Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.99% |
| Machine Operation | 3.23% |
| Container | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$48,015 |
8%
|
|
Dedication
|
$47,571 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$46,237 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$45,792 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$45,792 |
3%
|
|
SOP
|
$45,348 |
2%
|
For Factory Worker roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Factory Worker positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Factory Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $57,796 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $55,573 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $53,350 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $51,128 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,905 | $24.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Factory Workers 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 Factory Worker with a No Diploma is between $44,700 and $47,709).
Factory Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 85.7% |
| High School | 85.7% |
| Associates | 9.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Factory Worker'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 Factory Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $41,432 in 2023 to around $41,468 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Factory Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,432 |
| 2024 | $41,581 |
| 2025 | $41,468 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Media industry offers the highest average compensation for Factory Worker roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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