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The differences between assembling machine operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a line operator has an average salary of $34,520, which is higher than the $31,275 average annual salary of an assembling machine operator.
The top three skills for an assembling machine operator include assembly line, safety procedures and CNC. The most important skills for a line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.
| Assembling Machine Operator | Line Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,275 | $34,520 |
| Hourly rate | $15.04 | $16.60 |
| Growth rate | -6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 87,253 | 137,127 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| 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 line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.
Assembling machine operators and line operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assembling Machine Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,275 | $34,520 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Rapids, MI | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Press-Seal Gasket Corporation | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an assembling machine operator and a line operator in terms of educational background:
| Assembling Machine Operator | Line Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between assembling machine operators' and line operators' demographics:
| Assembling Machine Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| 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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |