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The differences between assistant operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for an assistant operator include customer service, ladders and safety procedures. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Assistant Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,607 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $18.08 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 88,093 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 50 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Assistant operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assistant Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,607 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $50,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | BD |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an assistant operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Assistant Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | - |
Here are the differences between assistant operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Assistant Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 50 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 Percentage | 6% | 5% |