Dry end operator vs machine operator

The differences between dry end operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dry end operator has an average salary of $37,169, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a dry end operator include safety rules, calipers and pallets. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Dry end operator vs machine operator overview

	Dry End Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$37,169	$32,874
Hourly rate	$17.87	$15.80
Growth rate	7%	-6%
Number of jobs	71,786	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	4	-

Dry end operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Dry End Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$37,169	$32,874
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $45,000	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 dry end operator and machine operator education

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

	Dry End Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Dry end operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between dry end operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Dry End Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 15.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 dry end operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Dry end operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
Use CMM, optical comparator, calipers, height gages, etc to check plastic components.

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.

Dry end operator vs machine operator skills

Common dry end operator skills

Safety Rules, 19%
Calipers, 15%
Pallets, 11%
Basic Math, 10%
Quality Checks, 5%
Product Quality, 4%

Common machine operator skills

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

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Dry End Operator
Dry End Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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