Brake operator vs machine operator

The differences between brake operators and 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 $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

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

Brake operator vs machine operator overview

	Brake Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$38,911	$32,874
Hourly rate	$18.71	$15.80
Growth rate	-5%	-6%
Number of jobs	46,164	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Brake operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Brake Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$38,911	$32,874
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $49,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	BD
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between brake operator and machine operator education

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

	Brake Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Brake operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Brake Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black 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, 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	3%	5%

Differences between brake operator and 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.

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.

Brake operator vs machine operator skills

Common brake operator skills

Calipers, 15%
Basic Math, 14%
Tape Measure, 12%
Hand Tools, 10%
Pallets, 6%
Read Blueprints, 6%

Common machine operator skills

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