Systems and methods of operation for a machine-readable symbol reader for estimating the distance of a scanned target object or item labeled with indicia, such as a machine-readable symbol. The reader may include an illumination subsystem which projects a light pattern (e.g., line) out from the reader. The reader may capture an image of the target object while the light pattern is projected thereon and analyze at least one detectable characteristic of the pattern to estimate distance of the target object relative to the reader. A one-dimensional sensor array of the reader may be exploited in part for imaging a symbol and in part for imaging detectable characteristics (e.g., edges) of the projected illumination pattern which allows for estimation of the reading distance. A central portion of the one-dimensional sensor array may be dedicated to imaging a machine-readable symbol and lateral portions may be dedicated to implementing a range finder.