Operates and monitors production machinery, setting up jobs and carrying out quality checks. Performs basic maintenance and troubleshooting to keep lines running. A core role across New Zealand's manufacturing and processing plants. The role suits people who are reliable, safety-minded, and comfortable with repetitive work that demands attention. Employers value a good attendance record more than formal qualifications, with upskilling often available on the job. The role often involves shift work and regular production targets, so stamina and consistency matter. Operators who learn multiple machines become the crew that supervisors rely on.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 2 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$54,750
90th Percentile
$56,950
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
1.1×
This role pays 1.1 times the minimum wage
+10%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
0.9×
This role pays 0.9 times the living wage
-12%
National Wage Percentile
$54,750
median salary for this role
Top 56.2%
This role's median is higher than 43.8% of all NZ wage/salary earners
1,595,670 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Machine Operator pay

Based on 2 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Machine Operator in New Zealand?

Across 2 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Machine Operator in New Zealand is $54,750 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $52,550 (10th percentile) to $56,950 (90th percentile).

How does Machine Operator pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $54,750 per year compares with the NZ minimum wage of $49,816 per year and the living wage of $62,192 per year.

What does a Machine Operator earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Junior (0-2 Yrs) $52,000, Mid (3-5 Yrs) $56,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 2 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 100%
    • Free Parking 50%
      • Annual Performance Bonus 50%
        • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
          • Flexible Working Hours 0%
            • Health Insurance 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Junior (0-2 Yrs)
$52,000
Mid (3-5 Yrs)
$56,000

All Submissions (2)

Click a submission to see its perks
$52,000
Hastings 0 - 2 years (Junior) Sep 2026
$57,500
Napier 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Napier
$57,500 $57,500 $57,500
Hastings
$52,000 $52,000 $52,000