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The differences between equipment operators and assembling machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an equipment operator, becoming an assembling machine operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an equipment operator has an average salary of $31,739, which is higher than the $31,275 average annual salary of an assembling machine operator.
The top three skills for an equipment operator include CDL, loaders and asphalt. The most important skills for an assembling machine operator are assembly line, safety procedures, and CNC.
| Equipment Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,739 | $31,275 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $15.04 |
| Growth rate | 5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 62,473 | 87,253 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues. Furthermore, an assembling machine operator needs to adhere to the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Equipment operators and assembling machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,739 | $31,275 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Indianapolis, IN | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Nelsen Partners | Press-Seal Gasket Corporation |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an equipment operator and an assembling machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment operators' and assembling machine operators' demographics:
| Equipment Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 2.0% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 6% |