Handle machine operator vs general machine operator

The differences between handle machine operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a general machine operator has an average salary of $32,414, 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 general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Handle machine operator vs general machine operator overview

	Handle Machine Operator	General Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$29,598	$32,414
Hourly rate	$14.23	$15.58
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	110,258	138,111
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 50%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Handle machine operator vs general machine operator salary

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

	Handle Machine Operator	General Machine Operator
Average salary	$29,598	$32,414
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $36,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Redwood City, CA	Oshkosh, WI
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	Wisconsin
Best paying company	Land O'Lakes	Reckitt Benckiser
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Finance

Differences between handle machine operator and general machine operator education

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

	Handle Machine Operator	General Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 50%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Handle machine operator vs general machine operator demographics

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

	Handle Machine Operator	General Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%	Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

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

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.

General machine operator example 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.

Handle machine operator vs general machine operator skills

Common handle machine operator skills

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

Common general machine operator skills

Math, 12%
CNC, 10%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Troubleshoot, 9%
Production Process, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Handle Machine Operator
Handle Machine Operator vs General Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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