Machine Operator Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Brisbane earn a median salary of $74,550 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $85,583. That sits 12% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $85,000. Figures are based on 28 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 43th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↓ -2 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $85,583
Median: $74,550
May $70k
Jun $74k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $60,000 – $85,583
Overall $60k–$85k Mid $60k–$85k $58k $64k $70k $76k $82k $88k
⚠ Low confidence 28 listings (-2 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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  $74,550 $85,583  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Machine operator pay in Brisbane rose sharply this month, the median jumped $4,402 to $74,550, one of the larger monthly gains in the batch, even as listings dipped slightly. Brisbane now leads the eastern capitals for the role, ahead of Melbourne ($70,642) and Sydney ($70k). The $10,450 gap below the city's all-roles median is a manufacturing-sector effect. The band ($60k to $85,583) tracks machine type, shift loadings and ticket class.

Take Home Pay (based on median $74,550)

Weekly (net)
~$1,122
Monthly (net)
~$4,864
Annual (net)
~$58,363
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $83,123

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?
New machine operators in Brisbane start around $60k. The lift toward the $85,583 top comes from machine specialism and shift mix: CNC or specialised production machinery, plus penalty-loaded overnight and weekend shifts, push take-home up. Relevant tickets and manufacturing-systems experience are the entry differentiators.
Is $74,550 a good salary in Brisbane?
Depends. At $74,550 the median sits 12% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $85k and nets roughly $58k after tax, fair for manufacturing given the sector's pay bands, so the gap is structural. The recent pay rise is a genuine positive: the role has upward momentum, and penalty-heavy shifts lift real earnings above the base median.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Brisbane?
Experienced operators reach the $85,583 top through specialised machinery and penalty-rich rosters. Beyond that, the ceiling lifts by moving into a leading-hand or production-supervisor role, which means taking on crew oversight and scheduling rather than running a single machine, or adding tickets for higher-value equipment.

Other roles in Brisbane

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $74,550 —
Melbourne $70,642 -5%
Sydney $70,000 -6%

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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.