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The differences between assembling machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assembling machine operator has an average salary of $31,275, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for an assembling machine operator include assembly line, safety procedures and CNC. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Assembling Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,275 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $15.04 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | -6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 87,253 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | - |
An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues. Furthermore, an assembling machine operator needs to adhere to the safety regulations and policies at all times.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Assembling machine operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assembling Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,275 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Rapids, MI | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Press-Seal Gasket Corporation | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an assembling machine operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Assembling Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between assembling machine operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Assembling Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 2.0% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |