Machine Operator Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Brisbane earn a median salary of $70,844 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $81,459. That sits 19% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $87,500. Figures are based on 44 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 65th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +16 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $81,459
Median: $70,844
Jun $74k
Jul $70k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $60,000 – $81,640
Overall $60k–$81k Mid $60k–$81k $58k $63k $68k $73k $78k $84k
Moderate confidence 44 listings (+16 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 44 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 36.2% stated a salary directly. The remaining 63.8% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $70,844 $81,459  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Listings rose 57% from 28 to 44 while the median fell $3,700 to $70,000, the clearest sign in the Brisbane data of volume expansion at the lower end of a band. Melbourne is the only comparable market and it sits marginally behind at $69,000. The 30% spread running $60,000 to $81,000 is narrow, so this is production work priced close to award rates. At 36% salary disclosure the figure leans on estimates.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,844)

Weekly (net)
~$1,076
Monthly (net)
~$4,661
Annual (net)
~$55,936
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,991

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?
Entry is $60,000, typically machine minding in food, plastics or building products manufacturing with on-the-job training. Forklift licensing, quality inspection duties and changeover or setup responsibility are what lift pay within the band. Shift work loadings often matter more to total earnings than the base rate.
Is $70,844 a good salary in Brisbane?
No. At $70,000 a machine operator earns 19% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $87,000, with take-home near $1,076 a week. It sits alongside labouring and warehousing rather than trades, which is where the manufacturing pay ceiling shows. The upside available is shift loading and overtime rather than base progression.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Brisbane?
The ceiling is $81,000, reached through leading hand, setup technician or quality control roles. Maintenance is the genuine step out, since maintenance fitters in Brisbane earn $101,000, though that requires a trade qualification. Production supervision sits above this range but appears infrequently in listings.

Other roles in Brisbane

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $70,844 0%
Melbourne $69,614 ~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.