Machine Operator Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Sydney earn a median salary of $70,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $59,991 and $80,000. That sits 26% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 59th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +12 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$59,991 – $80,000
Median: $70,000
May $72k
Jun $70k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $59,991 – $80,000
Overall $59k–$80k Mid $59k–$80k $58k $63k $67k $72k $77k $82k
Moderate confidence 38 listings (+12 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.

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Bottom 10%  $59,991 Median  $70,000 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Machine operator listings in Sydney jumped from 26 to 38 this month, but pay slipped $2,124 to $70k, so more hiring is not lifting wages. The role sits 26% below Sydney's all-roles median, standard for production work, and Brisbane pays a little more ($74,550). The tight $60k-to-$80k band leaves little negotiating room. This is a ticket-and-shift-driven role where extra pay comes from certification, not title.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,065
Monthly (net)
~$4,615
Annual (net)
~$55,383
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,050

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 Sydney?
Machine operating is largely entry-accessible, so pay starts at the $60k p10 and reaches the $70k median with experience on a specific line or machine. Forklift, plant or high-risk-work tickets, plus willingness to run night or rotating shifts, are what push pay toward the $80k top. Food, pharma and heavy-manufacturing sites pay above light assembly.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Sydney?
No, but it is normal for production work. At $70k the median sits 26% under Sydney's $95k all-roles median and nets about $55k, which is typical operator pay in an expensive city. It is the going rate, not a red flag. Tickets and shift loadings are the practical way to lift take-home.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Sydney?
There is no senior band because operating is a base production role. Progression means gaining tickets, moving into a leading-hand or shift-supervisor role, or into maintenance. Extra certifications and running a line or a small team are what unlock the next pay step rather than more years on one machine.

Other roles in Sydney

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

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