Machine Operator Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Melbourne earn a median salary of $70,642 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $85,247. That sits 26% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 28 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 39th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -4 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $85,247
Median: $70,642
May $69k
Jun $70k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $55,000 – $85,329
Overall $55k–$85k Mid $55k–$85k $53k $60k $67k $74k $80k $87k
⚠ Low confidence 28 listings (-4 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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $55,000 Median  $70,642 $85,247  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Based on 28 listings, treat as directional. Machine operators in Melbourne earn $70.6k, about 26% below the city median, and the figure barely moved on the month while listings edged down (32 to 28). Brisbane pays a touch more ($74.6k), with Sydney level at $70k, so location moves the number only marginally. This is a manufacturing-floor rate anchored well below Melbourne's white-collar-inflated median.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,642)

Weekly (net)
~$1,073
Monthly (net)
~$4,650
Annual (net)
~$55,804
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,765

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 Melbourne?
The floor is $55k (p10). A new operator starts near there, and the lift toward the $85k top comes from tickets and machine-specific certifications (CNC, forklift, high-risk work licences) and running more complex or automated lines rather than basic production plant.
Is $70,642 a good salary in Melbourne?
No, but in context. At $70.6k the median is 26% below Melbourne's all-roles median and nets about $56k, tight for a high-cost city. That gap is standard for production work, priced by supply, not a signal about any one employer. Shift loadings and overtime, common in manufacturing, lift real earnings above the base median.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Melbourne?
The band caps at $85k, so there is no distinct senior tier. Higher pay comes from adding certifications, moving onto specialised or automated equipment, or stepping into a leading-hand or shift-supervisor role that coordinates a production team rather than operating a single machine.

Other roles in Melbourne

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

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