Forming machine operator vs machine operator

The differences between forming machine operators and 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 $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a forming machine operator include quality standards, safety rules and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Forming machine operator vs machine operator overview

	Forming Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,252	$32,874
Hourly rate	$16.95	$15.80
Growth rate	7%	-6%
Number of jobs	65,510	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Forming machine operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Forming Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,252	$32,874
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $46,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Allentown, PA	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Minnesota
Best paying company	AMETEK	BD
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between forming machine operator and machine operator education

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

	Forming Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forming machine operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Forming Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between forming machine operator and 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.

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.

Forming machine operator vs machine operator skills

Common forming machine operator skills

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

Common machine operator skills

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

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Forming Machine Operator
Forming Machine Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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