Machine Operator Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Sydney earn a median salary of $72,124 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $84,490. That sits 20% below Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 26 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 38th percentile by listing volume in Sydney
💰 Machine Operator · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $84,490
Median: $72,124
Mid level $60,000 – $84,490
Overall $60k–$84k Mid $60k–$84k $58k $63k $69k $75k $81k $87k
⚠ Low confidence 26 listings · 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. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $72,124 $84,490  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Machine Operators in Sydney earned $72,124 at the median in May, with 26 listings and no prior month comparison available. The 34% spread (p10 of $60,000, p90 of $84,490) is consistent with the Melbourne and Brisbane data, and all three cities show a similar floor-to-ceiling range with Sydney's median marginally higher. At 20.5% below Sydney's all-roles median, the role earns significantly less than the city average, reflecting both the supply of available operators and the non-technical nature of most production machine roles.

Take Home Pay (based on median $72,124)

Weekly (net)
~$1,092
Monthly (net)
~$4,731
Annual (net)
~$56,774
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $80,418

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 Sydney?
Machine Operators starting in Sydney earn around $60,000 at the p10. Entry-level roles in food production, packaging, and warehousing logistics dominate this segment. Reaching $72,000 typically requires two or more years of continuous employment on production equipment with a clean safety record and forklift or equipment endorsements.
Is $72,124 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $72,124, a Sydney Machine Operator earns 20.5% below the city's all-roles median, and Sydney has Australia's highest cost of living. This salary level makes renting independently in most Sydney suburbs financially difficult without overtime, penalty rates, or a second household income contributing. The role is a practical entry point into manufacturing employment but is not a standalone financial solution in Sydney's cost environment.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Sydney?
Experienced Machine Operators in Sydney reach $84,490 at the p90. The ceiling reflects senior production roles with multi-machine coverage or shift leadership responsibilities. Transition into a maintenance technician, process technician, or quality coordinator role typically unlocks $90-$110k ranges for operators with the right technical aptitude.

Other roles in Sydney

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $72,124 —
Brisbane $70,148 -3%
Melbourne $69,580 -4%

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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.