How much does a machine tool operator make?
Answer: A typical machine tool operator in the United States makes $47,180 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 125,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Machine tool operator pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,780 | $47,180 | $74,450 | about 125,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $76,080 | about 2,000 |
| Kentucky | $54,960 | about 6,000 |
| Missouri | $53,160 | about 7,000 |
| Nebraska | $50,960 | about 1,000 |
| Virginia | $50,600 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experienced operators and workers who can handle complex machine setups may earn more than beginners. Pay also varies by employer and industry, location, and whether they work evenings, weekends, or overtime.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a machine tool operator do?
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
What's a typical day like?
They read a work order or blueprint and set up a lathe, drill, or cutter to shape metal or plastic. They watch for faults, measure finished pieces, adjust settings, and clean or log the work.
How to get this job
In the U.S., most people finish high school or earn a GED, then start as trainees and learn beside experienced operators; basic machine training may take months, and CNC work can take up to a year. A registered apprenticeship is another route.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Automation can let operators run several machines at once, so one person may watch multiple parts being made.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4081.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-4081.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/production/metal-and-plastic-machine-workers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes514081.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY