Machine Operator Salaries
How much does a Machine Operator make in Santa Ana, CA?
Total pay range
US$45K - US$61K/yr
US$52K/yrMedian total pay
Pay breakdown
US$41K - US$52K/yrBase pay
US$5K - US$9K/yrAdditional pay
About our data
Confident
The “Most Likely Range” reflects values within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role. Glassdoor salaries are powered by our proprietary machine learning model, which utilises salaries collected from our users and the latest government data to make pay predictions.
How accurate is an average base pay range of US$41K-US$52K/yr?
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Total pay trajectory
Machine Operator
€27K–€40K/yr
Recent salaries shared by Machine Operator
50 salaries
Job title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Location
Date submitted
Job title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Machine Operator
7-9 Years
€35K - €41K/yr
Letterkenny
submitted on 20 May 2026
€35K - €41K/yr
Machine Operator
7-9 Years
€47K/yr
€47K • €0
Athlone
submitted on 18 May 2026
€47K/yr
€47K • €0
Machine Operator
1-3 Years
€31K - €36K/yr
Portlaoise
submitted on 12 May 2026
€31K - €36K/yr
Machine Operator
10-14 Years
€32K/yr
€32K • €0
Tuam
submitted on 6 May 2026
€32K/yr
€32K • €0
Machine Operator
7-9 Years
€35K/yr
€35K • €0
Cork
submitted on 20 Apr 2026
€35K/yr
€35K • €0
Anonymously share your salary to help the community.
Machine Operator
10-14 Years
€32K - €37K/yr
America
submitted on 23 Mar 2026
€32K - €37K/yr
Machine Operator
4-6 Years
€55K/yr
€54K • €1K
Waterford
submitted on 4 Mar 2026
€55K/yr
€54K • €1K
Machine Operator
1-3 Years
€36K - €42K/yr
Galway
submitted on 28 Dec 2025
€36K - €42K/yr
Machine Operator
1-3 Years
€27K/yr
€27K • €0
Waterford
submitted on 15 Dec 2025
€27K/yr
€27K • €0
Machine Operator
7-9 Years
€35K - €40K/yr
Letterkenny
submitted on 5 Dec 2025
€35K - €40K/yr
Viewing 1 - 10 of 50
Frequently asked questions about Machine Operator salaries
How much does a Machine Operator in Santa Ana, CA make?
The average salary for a Machine Operator is US$52,152 per year or US$25 per hour in Santa Ana, CA, which is 68% higher than the national average. Top earners have reported making up to US$69,293 (90th percentile). However, the typical pay range in Santa Ana, CA is between US$45,335 (25th percentile) and US$60,601 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 27 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Machine Operator employees in Santa Ana, CA as of June 2026.
What is the highest salary for a Machine Operator in Santa Ana, CA?
The highest salary for a Machine Operator in Santa Ana, CA is US$60,601 per year, US$5,050 per month or US$29 per hour.
What is the lowest salary for a Machine Operator in Santa Ana, CA?
The lowest salary for a Machine Operator in Santa Ana, CA is US$45,335 per year, US$3,778 per month or US$22 per hour.
What is the Salary Trend for Machine Operators?
Machine operators are paid salaries similar to that of other skilled workers including millwrights, welders, cutters, plumbers, tool makers, and medical equipment repairers. Machine operators who work in the manufacturing or construction sectors generally earn higher pay than those who work in commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance roles. Machine operator pay generally raises with seniority and experience.
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Do Machine Operators Make Good Money in Santa Ana, CA?
When machine operators rated their personal salary satisfaction on Glassdoor, about 58% of them considered their salaries satisfactory overall. On top of their regular salary, machine operators can potentially make an additional $6,403.19 through overtime and profit sharing.
How Much Does a Machine Operator Make Over Time in Santa Ana, CA?
As a machine operator, you'll learn the ins and outs of operating various machinery and equipment while you build your professional credibility by spending time in the role. After about eight years of experience, you can expect a machine operator salary ranging between $40,065.55 and $69,293.24. On average, professionals earn an annual salary of $45,748.92 following the profession's typical career path.
How to Make More Money as a Machine Operator
Since no formal education is required for machine operator positions, you'll learn all you need to know on the job. You'll earn higher pay by putting your all into the role, mastering the use of varying supplies, equipment, and machines, and standing apart from your fellow employees by honing in-demand skills. Troubleshooting, leadership, dexterity, and attention to detail are vital to the role, and you should know how to manage each machine quickly, easily, and efficiently. As you gain more experience and skills, your machine operator salary will rise accordingly. Location and industry also have an impact on earnings, so do your research before pursuing any particular role.
How to Negotiate a Higher Salary as a Machine Operator
You have space to negotiate salary as a machine operator, but you'll need to analyze the market and your qualifications first. What is the average machine operator salary in your area and in your industry? What are those with similar levels of experience and training making? Combine this number with your employer's salary range for machine operator roles. After a job offer, previous experience in the industry gives you the most bargaining power, but in an existing position, you'll need concrete proof of how you've worked toward higher pay, such as taking on extra hours or tasks. Always negotiate your full compensation package, including benefits.
Does a Machine Operator make good money in Santa Ana, CA?
About 58.10% of Machine Operator professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional €6,403 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Machine Operator in Santa Ana, CA as a good salary.
How much does a Machine Operator make over time in Santa Ana, CA?
Machine Operator professionals in Santa Ana, CA have a wide total pay range, between €40,066 and €69,293 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of €52,152 following the average career path of a Machine Operator.