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What is a gear machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a gear machine operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.0 an hour? That's $33,278 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreGear Machine OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,278

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.1

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.98%

Asian 3.74%

Black or African American 3.74%

Hispanic or Latino 11.83%

Unknown 1.87%

White 77.85%

Gender

female 26.32%

male 73.68%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a gear machine operator

  1. Explore gear machine operator education requirements

    Most common gear machine operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    50.0 %

    Associate

    33.3 %

    Bachelor's

    16.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific gear machine operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Machine Operation37.73%
    CNC Machines35.58%
    Hand Tools26.69%
  3. Complete relevant gear machine operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New gear machine operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a gear machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real gear machine operator resumes.
  4. Research gear machine operator duties and responsibilities

    • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
    • Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.
  5. Prepare your gear machine operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your gear machine operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a gear machine operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable gear machine operator resume templates

    Build a professional gear machine operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your gear machine operator resume.
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
    Gear Machine Operator Resume
  6. Apply for gear machine operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a gear machine operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first gear machine operator job

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Average gear machine operator salary

The average gear machine operator salary in the United States is $33,278 per year or $16 per hour. Gear machine operator salaries range between $24,000 and $44,000 per year.

Average gear machine operator salary
$33,278 Yearly
$16.00 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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