Machine Operator Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Brisbane earn a median salary of $70,148 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $88,246. That sits 22% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 30 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 44th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +3 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $88,246
Median: $70,148
Apr $75k
May $70k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $60,000 – $88,246
Overall $60k–$88k Mid $60k–$88k $58k $64k $71k $77k $84k $90k
Moderate confidence 30 listings (+3 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $70,148 $88,246  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Machine Operators in Brisbane earned $70,148 at the median in May, down $4,940 from April, sitting 22.1% below the city's all-roles median. Listings increased by 3 to 30, providing reliable data for the figure. The 40% spread (p10 of $60,000, p90 of $88,246) reflects the range between entry-level production roles and experienced operators on specialised equipment with shift loading. The downward trend in median warrants monitoring: if April reflected outlier high-rate contract roles, the May figure may be the more representative baseline.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,148)

Weekly (net)
~$1,067
Monthly (net)
~$4,623
Annual (net)
~$55,480
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,215

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Machine Operator in Brisbane?
Machine Operators in Brisbane start at around $60,000 at the p10, typically in production or processing environments with standard day shifts. Reaching the $70,148 median generally requires one to three years of experience on specific machinery types, relevant forklift or plant tickets, and a record of meeting production targets without quality incidents.
Is $70,148 a good salary in Brisbane?
No, not relative to Brisbane's market. At $70,148, a Machine Operator earns 22.1% below the city's all-roles median. The role offers stable employment and defined skill development, but the salary does not reflect strong market premium. Operators who develop specialised skills on CNC, injection moulding, or high-precision manufacturing equipment move significantly up the pay scale over time.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Brisbane?
Experienced Machine Operators in Brisbane reach $88,246 at the p90. This ceiling typically reflects senior operators in capital-intensive manufacturing or processing environments, leading hand responsibilities, or specialised equipment operation with complex tooling change and quality control accountability. Moving into a maintenance technician or engineering support role is the most common pathway to pushing past $90,000.

Other roles in Brisbane

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $70,148 —
Sydney $72,124 +3%
Melbourne $69,580 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.