Machine Operator Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Melbourne earn a median salary of $69,614 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $61,058 and $85,000. That sits 23% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 47 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 66th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +19 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$61,058 – $85,000
Median: $69,614
Jun $70k
Jul $69k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,466 – $85,000
Overall $61k–$85k Mid $60k–$85k $58k $64k $70k $75k $81k $87k
Moderate confidence 47 listings (+19 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 47 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 40.4% stated a salary directly. The remaining 59.6% 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%  $61,058 Median  $69,614 $85,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Listings rose 68% from 28 to 47 while the median eased $1,000 to $69,000, the familiar signal of volume growth at the lower end of a band. Brisbane pays $70,000, so the two markets are effectively level. The 34% spread running $61,000 to $85,000 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 $69,614)

Weekly (net)
~$1,060
Monthly (net)
~$4,594
Annual (net)
~$55,130
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $77,619

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?
Entry is $61,000, typically machine minding in food, plastics or building products with on-the-job training. Forklift licensing, quality inspection and changeover responsibility are what lift pay within the band. Shift loadings often matter more to total earnings than the base rate does.
Is $69,614 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $69,000 a machine operator earns 22.7% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,060 a week against high living costs. It sits alongside warehousing and driving rather than trades. Overtime and shift loading are where the realistic upside lies rather than base progression.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $85,000, reached through leading hand, setup technician or quality control roles. Maintenance is the genuine step out, with Melbourne maintenance fitters at $103,000, though that needs a trade qualification. Production supervision sits above this range but appears rarely in listings.

Other roles in Melbourne

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

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