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Assembly line operator vs machine operator

The differences between assembly line operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, which is higher than the $31,567 average annual salary of an assembly line operator.

The top three skills for an assembly line operator include assembly line production, safety guidelines and production process. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Assembly line operator vs machine operator overview

Assembly Line OperatorMachine Operator
Yearly salary$31,567$32,874
Hourly rate$15.18$15.80
Growth rate-5%-6%
Number of jobs123,72896,834
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Assembly line operator vs machine operator salary

Assembly line operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assembly Line OperatorMachine Operator
Average salary$31,567$32,874
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CitySterling Heights, MIMinneapolis, MN
Highest paying stateAlaskaMinnesota
Best paying companyAndersenBD
Best paying industryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between assembly line operator and machine operator education

There are a few differences between an assembly line operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:

Assembly Line OperatorMachine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Assembly line operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between assembly line operators' and machine operators' demographics:

Assembly Line OperatorMachine Operator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 59.0% Female, 41.0%Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 8.8% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between assembly line operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Assembly line operator example responsibilities.

  • Follow company guidelines and motivate to accomplish goals and help to troubleshoot to get projects done.
  • Scan BMW and Mercedes car parts on an assembly line.
  • Press bearings and fan blades onto shafts, waterproof cores, balance cores, CNC lathe cut cores, hot drop shafts
  • Operated/Monitore multiple specialize computer numerically control (CNC) machines.
  • Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
  • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
  • Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
  • Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
  • Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
  • Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
  • Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
  • Show more

Assembly line operator vs machine operator skills

Common assembly line operator skills
  • Assembly Line Production, 28%
  • Safety Guidelines, 15%
  • Production Process, 14%
  • Quality Checks, 7%
  • Assembly Process, 6%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common machine operator skills
  • Basic Math, 11%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Math, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%
  • Quality Standards, 5%

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