Machine Operators
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Machine Operators in the United States earn a median salary of $46,420 per year — about $22 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 868K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +1%.
AI & Automation Risk
The core of the job is physical operation of heavy machinery in dynamic environments like warehouses and construction sites, which provides a buffer against full automation. However, AI-driven computer vision and autonomous navigation are increasingly being integrated into forklifts and conveyor systems, leading to moderate exposure as these technologies augment or replace human operators in structured settings.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flint, MIBEST VALUE | $78,530 | Below avg (93.0) | $84,410 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $62,150 | Below avg (95.5) | $65,047 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $62,520 | Below avg (96.5) | $64,794 |
| Hammond, LA | $53,780 | Below avg (84.5) | $63,675 |
| Decatur, IL | $53,990 | Below avg (88.4) | $61,059 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $66,350 | Above avg (109.4) | $60,653 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $51,260 | Below avg (84.8) | $60,472 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $57,000 | Below avg (94.7) | $60,167 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $59,850 | Average (100.0) | $59,847 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $53,890 | Below avg (91.2) | $59,116 |
| Grand Island, NE | $50,730 | Below avg (86.7) | $58,541 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $49,610 | Below avg (84.8) | $58,491 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $51,850 | Below avg (89.1) | $58,207 |
| Dubuque, IA | $50,770 | Below avg (87.3) | $58,137 |
| Vallejo, CA | $62,460 | Above avg (108.5) | $57,578 |