Baler operator vs machine operator

The differences between baler 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 $32,608 average annual salary of a baler operator.

The top three skills for a baler operator include perform routine maintenance, routine maintenance and rail cars. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Baler operator vs machine operator overview

	Baler Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$32,608	$32,874
Hourly rate	$15.68	$15.80
Growth rate	7%	-6%
Number of jobs	53,639	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	4	-

Baler operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Baler Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$32,608	$32,874
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Minnesota
Best paying company	Schnitzer Steel	BD
Best paying industry	Transportation	Automotive

Differences between baler operator and machine operator education

There are a few differences between a baler operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Baler Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Baler operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between baler operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Baler Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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	4%	5%

Differences between baler operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Baler operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Operate forklift to load and unload pallets, run baler to compact the recycled cardboard and stack the bales.
Hand stack pallets, customize based on needs and requirements of customer.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

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.

Baler operator vs machine operator skills

Common baler operator skills

Perform Routine Maintenance, 26%
Routine Maintenance, 17%
Rail Cars, 14%
Baling, 10%
Pallets, 8%
Hand Tools, 6%

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Baler Operator
Baler Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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