Post job

Brake operator vs general machine operator

The differences between brake operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a brake operator has an average salary of $38,911, which is higher than the $32,414 average annual salary of a general machine operator.

The top three skills for a brake operator include calipers, basic math and tape measure. The most important skills for a general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Brake operator vs general machine operator overview

Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Yearly salary$38,911$32,414
Hourly rate$18.71$15.58
Growth rate-5%7%
Number of jobs46,164138,111
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4644
Years of experience2-

Brake operator vs general machine operator salary

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

Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average salary$38,911$32,414
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $49,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Oshkosh, WI
Highest paying state-Wisconsin
Best paying company-Reckitt Benckiser
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between brake operator and general machine operator education

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

Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Brake operator vs general machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between brake operators' and general machine operators' demographics:

Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 87.8% Female, 12.2%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage3%5%

Differences between brake operator and general machine operator duties and responsibilities

Brake operator example responsibilities.

  • Experience using micrometers, squares, calipers and protractors.
  • Perform light mig and tig welding and metal refinishing.
  • Align motor, air end and coupling using calipers, dial indicators and straight edges.
  • Operate brake press to meet OE specifications.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of extrusion machinery and plastics processes.
  • Measure part angle with protractor, flange length with measureing tape and material thickness with micrometer.
  • Show more

General machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Lift work pieces to machines using hoists.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Brake operator vs general machine operator skills

Common brake operator skills
  • Calipers, 15%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • Tape Measure, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Pallets, 6%
  • Read Blueprints, 6%
Common general machine operator skills
  • Math, 12%
  • CNC, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Production Process, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs