Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operators Make?
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $45,130 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $34,790 at the 10th percentile to $64,660 at the 90th percentile — a range of $29,870. The highest-paying state is Montana at $58,060.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,790 |
| 25th percentile | $38,410 |
| Median (50th) | $45,130 |
| 75th percentile | $51,970 |
| 90th percentile | $64,660 |
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Montanatop | $58,060 |
| Maine | $52,960 |
| Colorado | $50,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,810 |
| Vermont | $50,700 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 |
| South Carolina | $49,730 |
| Idaho | $49,150 |
| West Virginia | $49,050 |
| Virginia | $48,980 |
| Louisiana | $48,950 |
| Connecticut | $48,010 |
| Oregon | $47,890 |
| Nevada | $47,820 |
| Missouri | $47,760 |
| New Jersey | $47,720 |
| Illinois | $47,680 |
| Washington | $47,570 |
| Iowa | $47,440 |
| New York | $46,930 |
| Nebraska | $46,770 |
| California | $46,590 |
| New Hampshire | $46,500 |
| Indiana | $46,250 |
| North Carolina | $46,210 |
| Georgia | $45,860 |
| Massachusetts | $45,600 |
| Maryland | $45,580 |
| Kansas | $45,370 |
| Arizona | $45,020 |
| Ohio | $44,790 |
| Arkansas | $44,780 |
| North Dakota | $44,020 |
| Michigan | $43,570 |
| Oklahoma | $43,270 |
| Tennessee | $42,670 |
| South Dakota | $42,640 |
| Wisconsin | $41,020 |
| Florida | $40,860 |
| Kentucky | $40,710 |
| Mississippi | $40,190 |
| Alabama | $39,830 |
| Utah | $38,940 |
| Texas | $37,100 |
| New Mexico | $35,520 |
| Rhode Island | $35,180 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operators
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operator 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 level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$34,790 – $38,410 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$45,130 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$51,970 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $64,660+ |
How to Earn More as an Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operators in Modesto, CA earn $86,150 — $41,020 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 ($51,970) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Operatorthis career | $45,130 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Operator | $46,980 |
| Forging Machine Operator | $49,240 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
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SOC: 51-9041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.