6 of the Highest Paying Metal Machine Operator Jobs in 2026

The best Metal Machine Operator jobs can pay up to $57,000 per year.

High Paying Metal Machine Operator Jobs

• Steel Fitter

  Salary range: $41,500 - $57,000

  The majority of Steel Fitter salaries across the United States currently range between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $57,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Steel Fitter job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Mechanical Fitter

  Salary range: $40,000 - $56,500

  A mechanical fitter works with materials like metal and is responsible for assembling parts and fitting sections of production machinery. These professionals find jobs in a variety of fields, such as the auto industry, mining, or the military. As a mechanical fitter, your duties include precisely measuring fittings, troubleshooting machinery, and repairing equipment when necessary. The career requires excellent technical skills and problem-solving ability.

• Container Washer

  Salary range: $49,000 - $51,000

  The majority of Container Washer salaries across the United States currently range between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $51,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Container Washer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Tube Bender

  Salary range: $32,000 - $44,000

  As a tube bender, you work with metal tubes, rods, and bars, shaping them into the desired configurations. Using a tube bending machine and working from written instructions and plans, you fabricate parts by flaring, deburring, trimming, and forming material of various dimensions. Your duties also include repairing damaged tubing and using a threading machine to thread pipes. You inspect finished products to ensure they meet specifications, and you follow appropriate procedures to promote safety and ensure the quality of your work. You also maintain production records and assist in the development of remediation plans to prevent defects from persisting.

• Laser Machine Operator

  Salary range: $38,000 - $44,000

  A laser machine operator assists with the setup, maintenance, and operation of a CNC machine. Your responsibilities in this career have you selecting lenses, loading programs, and calculating machine specs and parameters based on the thickness and type of material use. You then cut the material and prepare products for shipment. You maintain and repair equipment, fill the bulk tank system, reorder supplies, and keep the area organized and clean. Your duties have you set up and operate the equipment and assist other machine operators. As a laser machine operator, you work in a fast-paced environment, so you must be able to follow complicated instruction closely.

• Thermoforming Operator

  Salary range: $33,000 - $42,000

  The majority of Thermoforming Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Thermoforming Operator job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.