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What is a center machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a center machine operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.44 an hour? That's $32,110 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -6% and produce -29,300 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreCenter Machine OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $32,110

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.97%

Asian 1.61%

Black or African American 9.03%

Hispanic or Latino 21.61%

Unknown 3.55%

White 63.23%

Gender

female 25.64%

male 74.36%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Center machine operator career paths

Key steps to become a center machine operator

  1. Explore center machine operator education requirements

    Most common center machine operator degrees

    Associate

    31.6 %

    High School Diploma

    26.3 %

    Bachelor's

    26.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific center machine operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Blueprint Specifications100.00%
  3. Complete relevant center machine operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New center machine operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a center machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real center machine operator resumes.
  4. Research center machine operator duties and responsibilities

    • Sew patches on various apparel including police uniforms, ACU's, EMT uniforms and jackets.
    • Operate Barudan 12-head embroidery machine and commercial sewing machine, pick and pull apparel to embroidery and/or hem.
    • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
    • Generate and process files for reproduction using distribution center's high volume printers.
  5. Prepare your center machine operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your center machine operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a center machine operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable center machine operator resume templates

    Build a professional center machine operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your center machine operator resume.
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
    Center Machine Operator Resume
  6. Apply for center machine operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a center machine operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first center machine operator job

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Average center machine operator salary

The average center machine operator salary in the United States is $32,110 per year or $15 per hour. Center machine operator salaries range between $25,000 and $40,000 per year.

Average center machine operator salary
$32,110 Yearly
$15.44 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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