Machine Operator Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Brisbane earn a median salary of $71,540 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $83,008. That sits 20% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 36 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 58th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +10 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $83,008
Median: $71,540
Aug $73k
Sep $71k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $60,000 – $83,008
Overall $60k–$83k Mid $60k–$83k $58k $63k $69k $74k $80k $85k
Moderate confidence 36 listings (+10 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 36 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 39.5% stated a salary directly. The remaining 60.5% 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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $71,540 $83,008  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

The median fell $2,066 to $71,000 while listings rose from 26 to 36, the familiar signal of volume growing at the lower end of a band. Sydney now leads at $73,000, with Adelaide and Melbourne at $70,000. The 32% spread running $60,000 to $83,000 is narrow, which is what award-linked production work produces. At 40% salary disclosure the figure is moderately supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $71,540)

Weekly (net)
~$1,084
Monthly (net)
~$4,699
Annual (net)
~$56,392
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $79,767

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 $71,540 a good salary in Brisbane?
No. At $71,000 a machine operator earns 20.5% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,084 a week. It sits alongside forklift operation at $71,000 and labouring at $70,000 rather than with the trades. 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 $83,000, reached through leading hand, setup technician or quality control roles. Maintenance is the genuine step out, since maintenance fitters in Brisbane earn $100,000, 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) $71,540 0%
Sydney $73,112 ~same
Adelaide $70,000 ~same
Melbourne $70,000 ~same

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.

Check a Listing Install Extension

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.