25 of the Highest Paying Production Machine Operator Jobs in 2026

The best Production Machine Operator jobs can pay up to $76,000 per year.

High Paying Production Machine Operator Jobs

• Cmm Programmer

  Salary range: $55,000 - $76,000

  CMM programmers typically work in manufacturing facilities and are responsible for programming a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). A CMM is used to measure objects by probing surface points in reference to a coordinate system. You will program the CMM to measure or inspect objects to ensure they fall within design tolerances and meet specifications. CMM programmers may also be responsible for fixing, maintaining, and updating the CMM.

• Screed Operator

  Salary range: $40,000 - $65,000

  A screed operator runs a screed, the equipment responsible for leveling asphalt when creating new pavement. In this career, you must have the skills to make the pavement as smooth as possible by applying the asphalt to plan specifications and compensating for uneven depth. In this position, the minimum qualifications are two years of previous experience on a road construction crew. This job can lead to a lucrative career in construction.

• Cmm Technician

  Salary range: $43,500 - $63,500

  A CMM technician operates a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), which is used in factory production to take precise measurements for welders and other mechanics. In this career, your job duties are to consult with clients about blueprints and schematics for a product and use the CMM machine to ensure that the measurements are to the exact specifications before manufacturing the product. Qualifications for a career as a CMM technician include a high school diploma or GED certificate and experience with AutoCAD and other programming software that is used to calibrate the machine. You also need excellent mechanical skills.

• Scraper Operator

  Salary range: $52,000 - $61,000

  A scraper operator works with heavy equipment to move, haul, or grade the earth. In this career, you operate tools like a bulldozer or grader at different construction sites to build road beds, ditches, and water reservoirs. Your job duties can also include spreading the earth, carrying large amounts of dirt to another location, oiling and calibrating machinery, and smoothing roads. Skills in machinery maintenance and a high school diploma or GED certificate are essential qualifications for this job. Your employer should provide training so you can gain first-hand scraper operator experience. Vocational programs are also available.

• Wafer Fab Technician

  Salary range: $38,000 - $58,500

  A wafer fab technician performs daily maintenance and upkeep of facilities and production equipment necessary for wafer fabrication. You conduct routine inspections of machinery, load and unload necessary supplies, and ensure each chip and device is working properly. You monitor water bonding and also perform functions including photolithography and automated inspection. You may work with silicon wafers. Other responsibilities include running technical tests and experiments, performing and documenting test runs, and charting results.

• CMM Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $57,000

  A CMM Operator is in charge of operating a coordinate measuring machine. They use a coordinate measuring machine to measure parts, prototypes, and check dimensions against a blueprint. They typically measure products that companies manufacture and document their specifications. The duties of a CMM operator are to inspect fixtures, check for certification, and communicate any issues. Other responsibilities include keeping a record of inventory and maintaining the machine’s software capabilities. Qualifications to become a CMM operator often include an associate’s degree or certificate as well as some experience in manufacturing. A bachelor’s degree may be required to advance in the field.

• CNC Machinist

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  The job of a CNC machinist is to ensure the accuracy of production runs by pre-programming and monitoring runs for quality. A CNC machinist has a strong working knowledge of Computer Numeric Controlled machinery and is committed to quality and safety.

• Screw Machine Operator

  Salary range: $38,000 - $55,500

  A screw machine operator is a type of machinist who uses an automatic lathe to build specialty and custom-ordered parts or tools. As a screw machine operator, you install stops, gears, and cams and adjust them to produce parts to client specifications. Your responsibilities include the operation and monitoring of the turning machine and other machinery as each part is made and testing each piece against the blueprints. Screw machine operators need a high school degree or a GED certificate. Skills and qualifications that help in a screw machine operator career include mechanical experience and mathematical abilities. You need to be able to read blueprints accurately and properly service and maintain your equipment.

• Tube Mill Operator

  Salary range: $33,000 - $50,500

  The responsibilities of a tube mill operator are to set up and operate machines. Other duties are to oversee the mill crew, monitor operations or procedures, and provide maintenance for equipment as needed. A mill operator also reviews incoming orders as well as packaging and tagging material. They handle heavy machinery, including forklifts.

• Folder Operator

  Salary range: $36,000 - $50,000

  As a folder operator, your job duties involve working a machine that folds, slits, or scores printed sheets to prepare them for binding. In addition to running the folding, perforating, and cutting equipment and ensuring correct production, your responsibilities may include system set-up for each job including setting rollers, cutters, glue applications, and perforation equipment. You need to be at the machine during the folding run to make adjustments if necessary. You also load sheets into the folder.

• CNC Laser Operator

  Salary range: $39,000 - $48,500

  Computer numerical control (CNC) laser operators run computerized cutting and engraving machines to slice and carve materials, such as metal parts, plastic, and wood. In this role, you set up the machine lens and adjust the instrument between each project to meet specifications while adhering to proper safety procedures before, during, and after you operate machinery. You may also be responsible for repairing and maintaining the CNC laser machinery, as well as taking inventory of CNC machine-related products. You find CNC laser operators most commonly in manufacturing plants; these positions can be either part-time or full-time, and usually operate during regular business hours.

• Set Up Technician

  Salary range: $39,000 - $48,500

  A set up technician is specifically assigned to oversee or complete the installation or setup of complex machinery. As a set up technician, you primarily work in manufacturing facilities, but you can also find work in hospitals and teleconference areas. Your other duties include receiving new equipment, directing the delivery to where it needs to go, and ensuring the equipment is operational. Part of your job includes knowing how to arrange wires and cords to prevent slip-and-fall hazards as well as maintaining adequate floor space for walking. If the new equipment involves recalibration, you’re in charge of that, too.

• Laminating Machine Operator

  Salary range: $42,000 - $46,000

  A laminating machine operator works with special equipment and materials to cover, strengthen, and protect paper items. As a laminating machine operator, your responsibilities include the setup of the laminating machine, performing safety checks, and ensuring the proper materials are in place. Your job duties are to operate the laminating machine, maintain the rollers and materials, read and interpret job tickets and specifications, input the correct settings, monitor equipment, and troubleshoot any problems that arise during operation of the laminating machine.

• Envelope Machine Adjuster

  Salary range: $36,000 - $45,500

  An envelope machine adjuster works in the paper industry charged with adjustment to job specifications beginning with blanks. It involves a variety of tasks from folding to gumming to banding to produce the final products. In this career, you set up a project and test it. This includes monitoring and adjusting it as needed. You may do routine maintenance on the tools or equipment, and other responsibilities are troubleshooting and compliance with all safety procedures. Senior employees may train individuals new to the manufacturing line. Other duties involve calibration and continuous improvement of the process from testing gears to refining the placement of rolls.

• Boring Machine Operator

  Salary range: $35,000 - $45,000

  In manufacturing and materials fabrication, a boring machine operator controls a boring machine or similar drilling or mill machine to bore, ream, or drill holes in different materials, such as metal and plastic. Your responsibilities include the set-up, calibration, and maintenance of the machinery and other tools. Your duties are to read technical specifications and operate the machines to drill holes in the objects. This may involve calibrating CNC equipment or other computer controlled machinery at the production facility.

• Laminator

  Salary range: $36,000 - $44,000

  A laminator works with polymer composite material to produce various items. The responsibilities of a laminator are to operate manufacturing equipment to create or modify parts. A laminator can work with many different materials, such as fiberglass, wood laminates, or Kevlar to create a wide variety of items, such as aerospace components, hulls for watercraft, bodies for vehicles, or manufactured homes. A laminator must follow blueprints and instructions to create the build the proper strength, color, and finish for the parts. Your duties may also include the setup of machinery and molds, applying post-manufacturing coating, and working with engineers to develop projects.

• Fiberglass Laminator

  Salary range: $31,500 - $43,500

  The responsibilities of a fiberglass laminator or fabricator include laminating layers of fiberglass onto molds to create boats, the bodies for golf carts, automobiles, and more. As a fiberglass laminator, you select precut and wood bracing materials as needed for each project, spray fiberglass, resins, and catalysts onto molds, place layers of mats or cloth into the molds, smooth seams, and roll out air bubbles. You mix chemical solutions, bond reinforcing strips to decks, trim extra materials from molds, and sometimes install flooring into boats. Other duties include inspecting, cleaning, and assembling frames before beginning a project, repairing damaged parts, and curing materials by letting them sit out or baking them in an oven.

• Smt Machine Operator

  Salary range: $35,500 - $43,500

  SMT machine operators are responsible for surface mount technology (SMT) machinery maintenance, operations, and repair. They use the equipment to solder delicate electrical parts. The solder machine connects electrical components as part of an assembly line, also called a printed circuit assembly. An SMT machine operator understands the basic technology of the equipment and its programming, can set up new orders, and troubleshoot as needed. The job duties include inspecting the final products, recording data output, and meeting all daily quota needs.

• Wafer Fab Operator

  Salary range: $35,500 - $43,000

  As a wafer fab operator, you are responsible for performing fabrication or electrical wafer test operations. You set up, operate, load, and monitor a machine and equipment to inspect/verify the quality of the product that is produced. You are responsible for recording and analyzing data. You ensure the processing environment is clean by following written specs and performing several operations. You also maintain awareness of safety policies and procedures. You communicate with a team member to ensure production flow and discuss workforce needs.

• Slitting Machine Operator

  Salary range: $35,500 - $42,500

  A slitting machine operator works in a factory and operates equipment to cut materials in slats of a set length and width. You use a variety of raw materials, such as metal, plastic, or cardboard, with each project having unique specifications and production guidelines. Your responsibilities include loading the product, aligning it properly, and ensuring all cuts adhere to specifications throughout the machine process. You handle a wide range of materials, depending on the type of manufacturing. Your duties include the safe operation of the equipment including necessary maintenance and documentation.

• Robot Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $42,500

  The responsibilities of a robot operator involve the setup, operation, and maintenance of a machine. Duties include entering preprogrammed instructions that a robot uses to manufacture a product or component. These setup procedures ensure that a robot produces products to exact specifications. The operator may also inspect the output from the machine to ensure quality and make adjustments during a production run if necessary. A robot operator may install different components depending on the specifications for each production run. Qualifications vary, but manufacturers often provide apprenticeship or on-the-job learning opportunities for promising candidates.

• Manufacturing Operator

  Salary range: $35,000 - $42,000

  A manufacturing operator is in charge of production equipment before, during, and after manufacturing. As a manufacturing operator, your duties are to implement assembly, test and inspect for issues, operate during the production process, and ensure all safety procedures are followed. Your responsibilities also include handling the setup of materials and supplies, maintaining equipment in working condition, and cleaning and repairing when needed. You report any hazardous conditions immediately to your supervisor and perform regular checks to ensure the quality of products and a safe work environment. The job often requires handling heavy equipment and operating industrial vehicles.

• Machine Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500

  Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

• Filling Operator

  Salary range: $30,000 - $40,000

  A filling operator handles the packaging of products for a company at a manufacturing plant. Your duties have you filling boxes with the appropriate packing material, checking that packages are securely fashioned, adjusting machines for efficient product flow, and reporting any issues to your supervisor. A filing operator can work in a variety of industries, including product manufacturing, food production, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Your responsibilities include setting up and operating equipment, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, following industry standards for machine operation, and reviewing inventory for ink, labels, boxes, cartons, and other related supplies.

• Stamping Press Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $39,500

  As a stamping press operator, your job duties involve operating a machine that shapes metal or other materials. Your responsibilities include setting up the stamping press machine based on the information in a work order and performing quality checks during each production run to ensure that the stamping press is working based on the given designs. In addition to shaping material, you may undertake production runs that include using your equipment to emboss or imprint designs on a product.