Forming machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between forming machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forming machine operator has an average salary of $35,252, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a forming machine operator include quality standards, safety rules and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Forming machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Forming Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,252	$29,598
Hourly rate	$16.95	$14.23
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	65,510	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Forming machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Forming Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,252	$29,598
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $46,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Allentown, PA	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	AMETEK	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between forming machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Forming Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forming machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Forming Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.7% 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%

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

Forming machine operator example responsibilities.

Design all extrusion dies and their support tooling.
Utilize CNC machinery for shaping and routing of materials for final product.
Trouble shooting CNC programs and re writing programs to edit to meet measurement specification.
Machine parts according to customer specifications utilizing calipers.
Work with injection molding manufacturing hospital product parts -operate machines in departments of extrusion and injection molding -Experience with digital calipers.
Stack pieces onto pallet, strap and then wrap the pallet up and label with customers information for pick up date.

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.

Forming machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common forming machine operator skills

Quality Standards, 18%
Safety Rules, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Tape Measure, 6%
Pallets, 6%
Cranes, 6%

Common handle machine operator skills

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

Forming Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

Forming Machine Operator related careers

Forming Machine Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Forming Machine Operator
Forming Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs