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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Machine Operator in Wisconsin is $40,199 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Production Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Production Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,305 | $3,609 | $833 | $21 |
| Average | $40,199 | $3,350 | $773 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,964 | $3,080 | $711 | $18 |
QPS Employment Group - Fond Du Lac, WI
Helwig Carbon Products - Milwaukee, WI
General Mills - Milwaukee, WI
Stoughton Trailers - Stoughton, WI
A Production Machine 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Production Machine Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Productio... Level Production Machine Operator | $39,970 |
| Machine O... Level Production Machine Operator | $44,421 |
| Machine O... Level Production Machine Operator | $50,402 |
| Machine O... Level Production Machine Operator | $54,159 |
| Machine O... Level Production Machine Operator | $78,687 |
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 Production Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Production Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Production Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Production Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $54,268 | $26.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $52,258 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Media | $50,248 | $24.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $48,238 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $46,228 | $22.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Production Machine 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,305 | $3,609 | $833 | $21 |
| Average | $40,199 | $3,350 | $773 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,964 | $3,080 | $711 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Production Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
QPS Employment Group
Fredonia, WI
QPS Employment Group | Fredonia, WI
Position Title: Machine OperatorWage: $18.50/hourShift: 1stHours: 7:00am - 3:00pm (Monday - Friday)Are you simply working for the weekend. Apply now to beg... more
3 Days Ago
ABR Employment Services
Rudolph, WI
ABR Employment Services | Rudolph, WI
Production/Machine Operator Days and Nights. A well-established leader in Wisconsin's food manufacturing industry is now hiring dedicated Production Worker... more
3 Days Ago
Dairy Farmers of America
Cedarburg, WI
Dairy Farmers of America | Cedarburg, WI
Machine Operator. Kemps has immediate job openings for well-versed machine operators to perform an array of functions including maintaining, breaking down ... more
3 Days Ago
Staff On Site
Beloit, WI
Staff On Site | Beloit, WI
Machine Operator Associate. Staff On Site are currently recruiting Machine Operator Associates for an established company in Beloit, WI. Job duties include... more
4 Days Ago
Mayville Engineering Company
Mayville, WI
Mayville Engineering Company | Mayville, WI
ONE MEC ONE MISSION. MEC has been named the largest metal fabricator in the nation for 15 years running and our mission is to stay at the top. MEC is a con... more
3 Days Ago
Richelieu Foods
Beaver Dam, WI
Richelieu Foods | Beaver Dam, WI
Production Machine Operator II - Line 4 - 1st Shift. Beaver Dam - BEAVER DAM, WI 53916. Salary Range $18.50 - $18.50 Position Type Full Time Job Shift 1st ... more
6 Days Ago
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