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The differences between filler operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a filler operator has an average salary of $37,729, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a filler operator include quality checks, food safety and pallets. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Filler Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,729 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $18.14 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 65,876 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A filler operator works with the packaging end of a production line. The filler's task is to fill containers with the required number of products before packaging and shipping. The filler also operates filling machines and makes the necessary adjustments to ensure consistency. They are also responsible for inventory and maintenance of filling process equipment. They must work well under pressure and be scrupulously accurate.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Filler operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Filler Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,729 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $46,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a filler operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Filler Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between filler operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Filler Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.7% Female, 31.3% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 7.9% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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 | 5% | 5% |