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Machine Tool Operator salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Machine Tool Operator in South Africa is approximately 94,773 ZAR (4,750 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 Tool Operator do?

occupation personasA machine tool operator is responsible for operating and maintaining various types of machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses. They interpret blueprints, set up machines, and ensure the correct specifications and dimensions are met during the machining process. Machine tool operators use precision measuring instruments to inspect finished products and make necessary adjustments to maintain accuracy. They also monitor machine performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine maintenance tasks.

Skills: Machine tool operator, Machining, Precision manufacturing, Equipment maintenance, Blueprint interpretation, Quality control.
Job industry: Manufacturing


How much does Machine Tool Operator make?

Salary details
How much does Machine Tool Operator make?
Estimated Yearly Salary: 94,773 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,898 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,823 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 91,640 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,637 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,762 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 44 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09



Machine Tool Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,750 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 396 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 91 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour


Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately up arrow 3 %

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.

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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 Tool Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Machine Tool Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.75 times the average salary (or 75% of average salary).

Is Machine Tool Operator a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Machine Tool Operator is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Machine Tool Operator might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Machine Tool Operator?

High salary for Machine Tool Operator would be somewhere between 104,250 ZAR and 137,421 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Machine Tool Operator 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: 94,773 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,898 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,823 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
By working as Machine Tool Operator a person can save up to 125 USD per month or 1,496 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 Tool Operator

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

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 up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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This website offers salary estimates for educational purposes only.
This website compiles salary data for reference use only. While we strive to deliver correct estimates, we cannot ensure their full precision. Users are highly advised to consult additional databases before finalizing career-related decisions. Salary amounts vary based on several conditions, such as industry trends, negotiation power, and regional demand. We make no guarantees as to the validity of the listed information. Your access of this site indicates agreement of this disclaimer.
Salary data displayed on this site is informational only. Our figures come from various inputs, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Users should always verify salary details with additional platforms before making financial commitments. Salaries differ due to individual experience, market demand, and employer policies. We cannot offer any warranties about the completeness of the provided salary data. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge these terms.