Folder operator vs machine operator

The differences between folder operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a folder operator has an average salary of $37,807, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a folder operator include quality standards, machine operation and machine components. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Folder operator vs machine operator overview

	Folder Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$37,807	$32,874
Hourly rate	$18.18	$15.80
Growth rate	7%	-6%
Number of jobs	50,487	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	49	44
Years of experience	4	-

Folder operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Folder Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$37,807	$32,874
Salary range	Between $31,000 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 folder operator and machine operator education

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

	Folder Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Folder operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between folder operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Folder Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	49	44
Gender ratio	Male, 73.8% Female, 26.2%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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	8%	5%

Differences between folder operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Folder operator example responsibilities.

Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
Sort and count articles remove from dryers.
Fold sheets, blankets napkins, table cloths etc.
Train on Inkjet operation to ensure quality is maintained.
Gain the knowledge and experience with running a small UV coater.
Perform hand collating of short-run projects while maintaining correct sequence of order.

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.

Folder operator vs machine operator skills

Common folder operator skills

Quality Standards, 38%
Machine Operation, 10%
Machine Components, 8%
Straight Line, 7%
Customer Satisfaction, 6%
Check Quality, 5%

Common machine operator skills

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