Position
Salary

How much does a Manufacturing Operator make?

The average salary for a Manufacturing Operator is $42,873 per year in the US.

Manufacturing operators play an important role in various industries. They work in factories, overseeing machines and ensuring smooth production. The average yearly salary for a manufacturing operator is about $42,873. This salary can vary based on experience, skills, and location.

To break it down, here are some salary details based on different levels of experience:

  • Entry-level operators can expect to earn around $31,000 a year.
  • Those with a few years of experience might earn between $33,000 and $37,000.
  • Mid-level operators often make between $39,000 and $44,000.
  • Experienced professionals can earn upwards of $47,000, with top earners making more than $60,000.

View Manufacturing Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Manufacturing Operator?

Job seekers in manufacturing can find great opportunities in several cities. Wilmington, NC, leads with an average salary of $58,838. Next, Atlanta, GA, and Milwaukee, WI, offer average salaries around $52,475 and $52,290, respectively. These cities provide competitive pay for skilled manufacturing operators. Additionally, Columbus, OH, and Indianapolis, IN, show average salaries around $48,264 and $46,502. Job seekers can explore these cities for strong earning potential in the manufacturing sector.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Manufacturing Operator jobs, highlighting Wilmington, NC with the highest at $58,838 and Lexington, KY with the lowest at $45,214.
  1. Wilmington, NC
    Average Salary: $58,838
    In Wilmington, North Carolina, you will find many opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The area is home to companies such as Graco and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Working here offers stability and a chance to grow in a thriving industrial hub.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Wilmington, NC


  2. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $52,475
    Atlanta, Georgia, stands out for its dynamic manufacturing scene. With major players like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, this city offers a variety of roles. Atlanta's growing economy provides a robust environment for career advancement.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA


  3. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $52,290
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, boasts a strong manufacturing presence, particularly with companies like Johnson Controls and Rockwell Automation. Job seekers here benefit from a solid network of skilled professionals and a supportive community.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  4. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $48,264
    Columbus, Ohio, is a key manufacturing city, featuring large employers such as John Deere and Nationwide Insurance. The area provides diverse opportunities and a chance to be part of a growing industry.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Columbus, OH


  5. Waco, TX
    Average Salary: $46,737
    Waco, Texas, offers a mix of small and large manufacturing companies, including Dr. Pepper and McLane Company. This city provides a friendly atmosphere and a solid foundation for a rewarding career.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Waco, TX


  6. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $46,502
    Indianapolis, Indiana, is a hub for manufacturing with giants like Eli Lilly and Company and Cummins. This city combines a vibrant business environment with a high quality of life, making it an attractive place to work.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  7. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $45,920
    Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for its innovative spirit and strong manufacturing sector. Companies like Ball Corporation and Lockheed Martin offer exciting opportunities. This city combines natural beauty with a dynamic job market.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $45,782
    Boston, Massachusetts, provides a rich landscape for manufacturing professionals. With employers like General Electric and Raytheon Technologies, the city offers diverse roles and a prestigious professional environment.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $45,697
    Buffalo, New York, is a center for manufacturing with prominent companies such as General Motors and Moog Inc. Job seekers here find a blend of tradition and innovation, supporting a robust career path.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. Lexington, KY
    Average Salary: $45,214
    Lexington, Kentucky, offers a solid manufacturing environment with key players like Toyota and Lexmark. This city provides a balanced lifestyle and a chance to work with leading companies.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Lexington, KY

What are the best companies a Manufacturing Operator can work for?

Chobani, a top yogurt maker, offers one of the highest salaries for Manufacturing Operators at $58,667. Johnson & Johnson pays nearly the same, with an average salary of $57,136. MilliporeSigma, a life sciences company, also provides a competitive salary of $56,979 for this role. Frito-Lay, known for its snack foods, offers $56,194, while Analog Devices pays $55,830. Tolmar, Eli Lilly, and Abbott also offer good compensation packages for Manufacturing Operators. Post Consumer Brands and Acara Solutions, while still competitive, offer slightly lower salaries.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Manufacturing Operator jobs, highlighting Chobani with the highest at $58,667 and Acara Solutions with the lowest at $50,588.
  1. Chobani
    Average Salary: $58,667
    Chobani offers a dynamic work environment for Manufacturing Operators. The company operates yogurt plants in several U.S. locations, including Turkey, New York, Idaho, and more. Workers benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive team culture.


  2. Johnson & Johnson
    Average Salary: $57,136
    At Johnson & Johnson, Manufacturing Operators work in state-of-the-art facilities. The company runs plants in locations like New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Irvine, California. Workers enjoy a collaborative environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.


  3. MilliporeSigma
    Average Salary: $56,979
    MilliporeSigma provides Manufacturing Operators with a role in high-tech production. This company operates in sites across the United States, including Burlington, Massachusetts. The environment is focused on innovation, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.


  4. Frito-Lay
    Average Salary: $56,194
    Frito-Lay is known for its vibrant and fast-paced manufacturing operations. Locations include Dallas, Texas, and Plano, Texas. Employees benefit from a rewarding atmosphere where teamwork and efficiency are key. The company provides solid compensation and benefits.


  5. Analog Devices
    Average Salary: $55,830
    Analog Devices offers Manufacturing Operators the chance to work in a cutting-edge tech environment. Plants are located in Norwood, Massachusetts, and Wilmington, Massachusetts. Workers enjoy a mix of challenging tasks and a supportive team culture.


  6. Tolmar
    Average Salary: $55,404
    Tolmar provides Manufacturing Operators with a role in pharmaceutical production. The company operates in locations like Ft. Collins, Colorado. Employees work in a fast-paced environment focused on producing high-quality products.


  7. Eli Lilly
    Average Salary: $55,305
    Eli Lilly offers Manufacturing Operators a chance to contribute to healthcare. Plants are located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and other sites across the U.S. Employees benefit from a supportive environment and a commitment to quality and safety.


  8. Abbott
    Average Salary: $52,936
    Abbott provides Manufacturing Operators with a role in nutrition and healthcare products. Facilities are located in Columbus, Ohio, and other sites nationwide. Employees enjoy a collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and quality.


  9. Post Consumer Brands
    Average Salary: $51,568
    Post Consumer Brands offers Manufacturing Operators a role in producing food and beverage products. The company operates in locations like Chicago, Illinois, and other sites across the U.S. Workers benefit from a team-oriented environment focused on efficiency.


  10. Acara Solutions
    Average Salary: $50,588
    Acara Solutions offers Manufacturing Operators a role in the packaging and food industry. Locations include sites in Michigan and Minnesota. Employees benefit from a supportive environment with a focus on teamwork and safety.

How to earn more as a Manufacturing Operator?

Earning more as a Manufacturing Operator requires a combination of skill, experience, and dedication. To increase earnings, consider these steps:

First, develop specialized skills. Many manufacturing jobs value operators who can run advanced machinery. Learning these skills can make a person more valuable. Second, gaining experience is key. The more time spent in a manufacturing role, the more knowledgeable an operator becomes. This experience can lead to higher pay. Third, pursuing additional certifications can boost pay. Some industries offer certifications that recognize expertise. Fourth, taking on more responsibility can lead to higher pay. This could mean overseeing a team or managing a part of the production line. Fifth, continuously learning and adapting to new technologies can help an operator stay competitive. Keeping skills updated is vital in the fast-paced world of manufacturing.

By focusing on these areas, a Manufacturing Operator can increase their earning potential. Developing skills, gaining experience, obtaining certifications, taking on responsibility, and staying updated with new technologies all contribute to a higher salary.

Here are five key factors to earn more as a Manufacturing Operator:

  1. Develop specialized skills
  2. Gain experience
  3. Pursue additional certifications
  4. Take on more responsibility
  5. Stay updated with new technologies

Currently 495 Manufacturing Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Manufacturing Operator in the US?

Learn what a Manufacturing Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Manufacturing Operator today.
Position
Overview
Manufacturing Operator
495 Job Openings