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The differences between handle machine operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cell operator has an average salary of $37,866, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a handle machine operator include forklifts, cranes and production lines. The most important skills for a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.
| Handle Machine Operator | Cell Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $29,598 | $37,866 |
| Hourly rate | $14.23 | $18.20 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 110,258 | 66,532 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.
Handle machine operators and cell operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Handle Machine Operator | Cell Operator | |
| Average salary | $29,598 | $37,866 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $36,000 | Between $31,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | Washington |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | Cummins |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a handle machine operator and a cell operator in terms of educational background:
| Handle Machine Operator | Cell Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between handle machine operators' and cell operators' demographics:
| Handle Machine Operator | Cell Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |