Fabric machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between fabric machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fabric machine operator has an average salary of $35,954, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a fabric machine operator include hand tools, math and tape measure. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Fabric machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Fabric Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,954	$29,598
Hourly rate	$17.29	$14.23
Growth rate	-8%	7%
Number of jobs	65,896	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	2	-

Fabric machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Fabric Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,954	$29,598
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $44,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Eugene, OR	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Jacobs Engineering Group	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between fabric machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Fabric Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Dunwoody College of Technology	-

Fabric machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between fabric machine operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:

	Fabric Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.8% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	6%	5%

Differences between fabric machine operator and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Fabric machine operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Machine welder and TIG welding, bonding components together to fabricate metal products according to specifications and blueprints
Operate various industrial machinery including robotic welder, slider, CNC wire bender, press brake, and parts oven.
Complete daily checklist for forklift and clamp truck.
Fasten metal materials using soldering, brazing, and welding equipment.
Set up and operate centerless griding machines to grind OD metal.

Handle machine operator example responsibilities.

Operate CNC to manufacture table tops, end tables, desks, and other products.
Produce machined parts by programming, setting up and operation a computer numerical control CNC machine.
Document lens specifications according to FDA regulations.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Fabric machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common fabric machine operator skills

Hand Tools, 10%
Math, 10%
Tape Measure, 10%
Basic Math, 9%
Calipers, 8%
Press Brake, 8%

Common handle machine operator skills

Forklifts, 13%
Cranes, 13%
Production Lines, 13%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Customer Orders, 8%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Fabric Machine Operator
Fabric Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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