Plating Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Plating Machine Operators Make?
Plating Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $41,600 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,940 at the 10th percentile to $58,320 at the 90th percentile — a range of $26,380. The highest-paying state is Washington at $50,840.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,940 |
| 25th percentile | $36,620 |
| Median (50th) | $41,600 |
| 75th percentile | $48,990 |
| 90th percentile | $58,320 |
Plating Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $50,840 |
| Oklahoma | $48,800 |
| Mississippi | $48,790 |
| Oregon | $46,780 |
| New Hampshire | $46,740 |
| Colorado | $46,500 |
| Minnesota | $46,430 |
| California | $46,370 |
| Utah | $46,280 |
| Massachusetts | $45,530 |
| Iowa | $45,240 |
| Tennessee | $45,200 |
| Illinois | $44,990 |
| Missouri | $44,310 |
| New York | $44,110 |
| Ohio | $43,720 |
| Kansas | $43,680 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,920 |
| North Carolina | $41,850 |
| Idaho | $41,330 |
| Florida | $40,550 |
| Arizona | $40,550 |
| Maryland | $40,310 |
| Virginia | $40,280 |
| New Jersey | $40,190 |
| South Carolina | $40,110 |
| Maine | $40,020 |
| Wisconsin | $39,380 |
| Nebraska | $39,200 |
| Kentucky | $38,800 |
| Georgia | $38,310 |
| Connecticut | $38,260 |
| Indiana | $38,130 |
| Nevada | $37,980 |
| Rhode Island | $37,590 |
| Arkansas | $36,930 |
| Michigan | $36,890 |
| Texas | $36,180 |
| Alabama | $35,770 |
| Louisiana | $31,540 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Plating Machine Operators
Plating 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) | ~$31,940 – $36,620 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$41,600 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$48,990 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $58,320+ |
How to Earn More as a Plating Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Plating Machine Operators in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn $66,150 — $24,550 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 ($48,990) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Plating Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Plating Machine Operatorthis career | $41,600 |
| Forging Machine Operator | $49,240 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Operator | $45,590 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Operator | $45,190 |
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SOC: 51-4193.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.