Machine Operator Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Machine Operators in Sydney earn a median salary of $73,112 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $63,528 and $85,000. That sits 23% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 34 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 57th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +4 listings vs last month
💰 Machine Operator · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$63,528 – $85,000
Median: $73,112
Aug $71k
Sep $73k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $63,528 – $85,000
Overall $63k–$85k Mid $63k–$85k $61k $66k $71k $77k $82k $87k
Moderate confidence 34 listings (+4 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 34 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 41.7% stated a salary directly. The remaining 58.3% 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%  $63,528 Median  $73,112 $85,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median rose $1,482 to $73,000 with listings up from 30 to 34, making Sydney the best-paying machine operator market in this data ahead of Brisbane at $71,000 and both Adelaide and Melbourne at $70,000. The 29% spread running $63,000 to $85,000 is narrow, which is what award-linked production work produces. At 42% salary disclosure the figure is moderately well supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $73,112)

Weekly (net)
~$1,104
Monthly (net)
~$4,785
Annual (net)
~$57,421
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $81,519

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?
Entry is $63,000, 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 $73,112 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $73,000 a machine operator earns 23% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,104 a week against the highest living costs in this report. It does lead the country for this role. It sits level with the general driver category at $73,000 rather than with the trades.
How much does a Senior Machine Operator make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $85,000, reached through leading hand, setup technician or quality control roles. Maintenance is the genuine step out, since maintenance fitters in Sydney earn $100,000, though that requires a trade qualification. Production supervision sits above this range but appears infrequently in listings.

Other roles in Sydney

Machine Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $73,112 0%
Brisbane $71,540 ~same
Adelaide $70,000 -4%
Melbourne $70,000 -4%

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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.