Conveyor Operators and Tender Salary in 2026

    SOC: 53-7011.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $41,230
    per year
    Salary Range
    $35K – $60K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    26,060
    employed
    Job Growth
    -3.4%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Conveyor Operators and Tenders Make?

    Conveyor Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $41,230 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $34,940 at the 10th percentile to $60,390 at the 90th percentile — a range of $25,450. The highest-paying state is Wyoming at $75,550.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$34,940
    25th percentile$37,500
    Median (50th)$41,230
    75th percentile$48,640
    90th percentile$60,390
    10th: $34,940Median: $41,23090th: $60,390
    Section 02

    Conveyor Operators and Tender Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Wyomingtop$75,550
    West Virginia$63,200
    Kentucky$55,920
    Alabama$54,480
    Louisiana$47,840
    Iowa$47,720
    Montana$46,090
    Indiana$45,410
    Pennsylvania$44,590
    Illinois$44,260
    Washington$44,030
    Michigan$43,330
    Maine$43,280
    South Dakota$43,080
    New York$43,040
    Missouri$42,910
    Oregon$42,660
    Minnesota$42,540
    California$41,660
    Wisconsin$40,740
    Utah$40,680
    Idaho$40,030
    Kansas$39,870
    Colorado$39,720
    Nebraska$39,650
    Massachusetts$39,560
    Virginia$38,710
    Arizona$38,560
    Tennessee$38,290
    North Carolina$38,110
    New Jersey$37,910
    Texas$37,600
    Ohio$37,590
    Maryland$37,550
    Florida$37,500
    Arkansas$37,190
    New Hampshire$36,730
    Georgia$36,330
    Oklahoma$36,180
    Nevada$35,910
    Mississippi$35,090
    South Carolina$35,070
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Conveyor Operators and Tenders

    Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
    Highest paying
    $69,600
    top metro salary
    West Virginia
    $63,200
    $-6,400 vs highest
    Kentucky
    $55,920
    $-13,680 vs highest
    Alabama
    $54,480
    $-15,120 vs highest
    Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
    $53,300
    $-16,300 vs highest
    Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
    $52,970
    $-16,630 vs highest
    Louisiana
    $47,840
    $-21,760 vs highest
    Iowa
    $47,720
    $-21,880 vs highest
    Section 04

    Conveyor Operators and Tender Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$34,940 – $37,500
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$41,230
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$48,640
    Senior (15+ yrs)$60,390+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Conveyor Operators and Tender

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Conveyor Operators and Tenders in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn $69,600 — $28,370 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($48,640) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Conveyor Operators and Tender Salary vs Similar Careers

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 53-7011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.