How To Become A General Machine Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a general machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A general machine operator is someone who operates machinery to produce goods or parts. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and construction. The job requires a high level of technical skill and attention to detail. Operators must be able to read and interpret technical diagrams and blueprints, adjust machines for optimal performance, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during production. They must also follow safety protocols and maintain equipment to ensure it remains in working order.

ScoreGeneral Machine OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,414

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.21%

Asian 7.29%

Black or African American 11.87%

Hispanic or Latino 15.20%

Unknown 3.41%

White 61.02%

Gender

female 18.84%

male 81.16%

Age - 46

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 - 46

Stress level

4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a general machine operator?

Pros

Good pay and benefits
Opportunity for overtime pay
Chance to work with cutting-edge technology
Ability to work in a variety of industries
Opportunity to develop technical skills

Cons

Physically demanding work
Exposure to loud noises, chemicals, and other hazards
Long periods of standing or sitting in one position
Repetitive motions can lead to injury
Possibility of working long hours or irregular shifts

Key steps to become a general machine operator

Explore general machine operator education requirements

Most common general machine operator degrees

High School Diploma

49.6 %

Associate

18.4 %

Diploma

17.6 %

Start to develop specific general machine operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Math	12.00%
CNC	10.46%
Safety Procedures	9.68%
Troubleshoot	8.70%
Production Process	8.07%

Complete relevant general machine operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New general 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 general machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real general machine operator resumes.

Research general machine operator duties and responsibilities

Lift work pieces to machines using hoists.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Prepare your general machine operator resume

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

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