Home > Salary > South Africa > Machine Operator 1
A machine operator 1 is responsible for operating and maintaining various types of machinery in a manufacturing or production setting. They are skilled professionals who ensure the safe and efficient operation of machines, including set up, calibration, and troubleshooting. Machine operators 1 monitor the production process, make adjustments as needed, and perform routine maintenance tasks to prevent breakdowns and minimize downtime. They may also inspect finished products for quality control purposes and report any issues to supervisors. This occupation requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions and safety protocols. Effective communication skills and problem-solving abilities are also essential for machine operators 1 to effectively collaborate with team members and address any operational challenges.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 71,990 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,999 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,384 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 35 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,788 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,336 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 33 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09
Estimated Yearly Salary: 3,603 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 300 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 69 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 71,990 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,999 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,384 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 35 ZAR per hour
By working as Machine Operator 1 a person can save up to 29 USD per month or 349 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Machine Operator 1
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Machine Operator 1 salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Machine Operator 1 in South Africa is approximately 71,990 ZAR (3,603 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Machine Operator 1 do?

Skills: Machine operator, Manufacturing, Production, Machinery, Quality control, Maintenance.
Job industry: Manufacturing
Job industry: Manufacturing
How much does Machine Operator 1 make?
Salary details
How much does Machine Operator 1 make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 71,990 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,999 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,384 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 35 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 69,460 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 5,788 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,336 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 33 ZAR per hour
Machine Operator 1 estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 3,603 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 300 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 69 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Machine Operator 1 job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Machine Operator 1 in South Africa earns on average:
0.57 times the average salary (or 57% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Machine Operator 1 job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Machine Operator 1 in South Africa earns on average:
0.57 times the average salary (or 57% of average salary).
Is Machine Operator 1 a well paid job?
No, our data shows that Machine Operator 1 is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Machine Operator 1 might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.What is considered a high salary for Machine Operator 1?
High salary for Machine Operator 1 would be somewhere between 79,189 ZAR and 104,386 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Machine Operator 1 in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 71,990 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,999 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,384 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 35 ZAR per hour
By working as Machine Operator 1 a person can save up to 29 USD per month or 349 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Machine Operator 1
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
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