diff --git a/install/0000_30_machine-api-operator_09_deployment.yaml b/install/0000_30_machine-api-operator_09_deployment.yaml
index 9b5aa5203..e82dbb0bb 100644
--- a/install/0000_30_machine-api-operator_09_deployment.yaml
+++ b/install/0000_30_machine-api-operator_09_deployment.yaml
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ spec:
       labels:
         k8s-app: machine-api-operator
     spec:
+      priorityClassName: system-node-critical
       containers:
       - name: machine-api-operator
         image: docker.io/openshift/origin-machine-api-operator:v4.0.0