Position
Salary

How much does a Manufacturing Operator make?

The average salary for a Manufacturing Operator is $43,143 per year in the US.

Manufacturing operators play a key role in various industries, from automotive to electronics. They use machinery and tools to produce goods. This role requires skill and attention to detail. One important aspect to consider is the salary. On average, a manufacturing operator makes about $43,143 per year. This provides a stable income for those in the field.


Salary can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting might make less, while experienced workers can earn more. Here are the details:

  • 10th percentile: $30,950
  • 25th percentile: $33,718
  • 50th percentile (median): $39,255
  • 75th percentile: $47,559
  • 90th percentile: $58,632
Location also plays a big role. Urban areas often offer higher wages due to a higher cost of living.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Manufacturing Operator?

Manufacturing operators often find better pay in certain cities. Wilmington, NC, leads with an average salary of $60,141. Atlanta, GA, and Milwaukee, WI, follow closely, offering salaries around $56,000 and $51,000, respectively. For those in manufacturing, cities like Columbus, OH, and Worcester, MA, also provide competitive wages. Indianapolis, IN, and Waco, TX, offer decent salaries as well, with figures around $47,000. Other cities like Tucson, AZ, Buffalo, NY, and Fort Collins, CO, also have good opportunities, though salaries may vary.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Manufacturing Operator jobs, highlighting Wilmington, NC with the highest at $60,141 and Fort Collins, CO with the lowest at $45,699.
  1. Wilmington, NC
    Average Salary: $60,141
    In Wilmington, work in a thriving manufacturing hub with many opportunities for skilled laborers. Notable companies like Honeywell and Hanesbrands offer stable roles. The area's growing economy provides good career growth.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Wilmington, NC


  2. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $56,373
    Atlanta boasts a dynamic job market with numerous manufacturing positions. Companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines offer excellent opportunities. The city's diverse economy supports a wide range of career paths.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA


  3. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $51,407
    Milwaukee's manufacturing scene is robust, with big names like MillerCoors and Harley-Davidson. Workers benefit from a strong community and a variety of employment options. The city's dedication to industry keeps jobs steady.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  4. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $49,954
    Columbus offers a variety of jobs in manufacturing, with companies like Nationwide and Huntington Bank. The city's economy is diverse, providing a stable job market and room for growth. Opportunities for training and advancement are plentiful.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Columbus, OH


  5. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,934
    Worcester is known for its strong manufacturing sector, with employers like MassMutual and Fidelity Investments. The city provides a supportive environment for career growth. Skilled workers find many opportunities here.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Worcester, MA


  6. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $46,794
    Indianapolis has a thriving manufacturing industry, with companies like Eli Lilly and Zimmer Biomet. The city offers many job opportunities and a supportive work environment. It’s a great place for career development.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  7. Waco, TX
    Average Salary: $46,768
    Waco supports a growing manufacturing sector, with companies like Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The city offers a welcoming environment for job seekers. Opportunities for growth and advancement are available.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Waco, TX


  8. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $46,382
    Tucson’s manufacturing jobs are plentiful, with companies like Raytheon and Freeport-McMoRan. The city's growing economy offers many opportunities for skilled workers. It’s a great place for career development.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ


  9. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $45,922
    Buffalo has a robust manufacturing sector, with companies like General Electric and Moog. The city offers a solid job market and a supportive work environment. Workers benefit from many opportunities for growth.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $45,699
    Fort Collins offers many manufacturing jobs, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Corporation. The city’s growing economy provides a stable job market. Opportunities for skilled workers are plentiful.
    Find Manufacturing Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO

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

Job seekers aiming for roles as manufacturing operators can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies. Chobani, Analog Devices, and Johnson & Johnson lead the way, offering average salaries that exceed $58,000. These companies provide not only competitive pay but also chances for career growth and stability in the manufacturing sector. Other notable employers include MilliporeSigma, Frito-Lay, and Abbott, each offering salaries above $50,000. These companies value skilled manufacturing operators and offer robust benefits and development programs. Securing a position with any of these firms can lead to a rewarding career path in the manufacturing industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Manufacturing Operator jobs, highlighting Chobani with the highest at $58,625 and Saint-Gobain with the lowest at $50,365.
  1. Chobani
    Average Salary: $58,625
    Chobani offers rewarding Manufacturing Operator jobs in locations like New York, California, and Texas. Here, you will work on yogurt and other dairy products. Chobani promotes a healthy work environment and provides career growth opportunities.


  2. Analog Devices
    Average Salary: $58,500
    Analog Devices provides high-paying Manufacturing Operator jobs in Massachusetts, California, and Colorado. You will work with electronic components. The company values teamwork and innovation, making it a great place to grow your career.


  3. Johnson & Johnson
    Average Salary: $58,490
    Johnson & Johnson offers Manufacturing Operator positions in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. You will work in health products. The company emphasizes patient care and professional development, ensuring you thrive in your role.


  4. MilliporeSigma
    Average Salary: $56,979
    MilliporeSigma provides Manufacturing Operator jobs in California, Massachusetts, and New York. You will work with chemicals and materials. The company focuses on quality and safety, providing a stable work environment.


  5. Frito-Lay
    Average Salary: $55,969
    Frito-Lay offers Manufacturing Operator roles in Texas, California, and Illinois. You will work on snack foods. The company values innovation and efficiency, offering many opportunities for career advancement.


  6. Abbott
    Average Salary: $53,234
    Abbott provides Manufacturing Operator jobs in Illinois, California, and Massachusetts. You will work on nutrition and medical products. The company focuses on improving health, giving you a sense of purpose in your job.


  7. Eli Lilly
    Average Salary: $52,895
    Eli Lilly offers Manufacturing Operator positions in Indiana, North Carolina, and California. You will work on pharmaceuticals. The company prioritizes research and development, ensuring you are part of meaningful projects.


  8. Post Consumer Brands
    Average Salary: $51,156
    Post Consumer Brands provides Manufacturing Operator jobs in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania. You will work on cereal and snacks. The company values community and sustainability, offering a positive work environment.


  9. Lamb Weston
    Average Salary: $50,423
    Lamb Weston offers Manufacturing Operator roles in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. You will work on frozen potatoes and other produce. The company emphasizes quality and efficiency, ensuring you have a rewarding job.


  10. Saint-Gobain
    Average Salary: $50,365
    Saint-Gobain provides Manufacturing Operator jobs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. You will work on building materials. The company values innovation and sustainability, making it a great place to develop your skills.

How to earn more as a Manufacturing Operator?

A Manufacturing Operator can boost their earnings through several key strategies. These approaches focus on skill enhancement, experience, and industry knowledge. Taking proactive steps can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Employers value workers who continuously improve their abilities and adapt to new technologies.

Consider these factors to increase earnings:

  1. Learn new skills: Gaining expertise in new areas can make an operator more valuable. This might involve learning to use advanced machinery or understanding quality control processes better.
  2. Gain more experience: Working longer in the field allows an operator to become more efficient. Experience often leads to higher pay as operators prove their reliability and skill.
  3. Pursue certifications: Earning industry-specific certifications can increase earning potential. These credentials show dedication and specialized knowledge.
  4. Seek out higher-paying jobs: Exploring roles in industries that offer higher wages can lead to better pay. Research different sectors to find areas with higher demand for operators.
  5. Network within the industry: Building relationships with others in the field can open doors to better-paying jobs. Networking can also provide insights into job opportunities and industry trends.

Currently 446 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
446 Job Openings