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The differences between handle machine operators and pack out operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pack out operator has an average salary of $33,217, 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 pack out operator are pallets, safety procedures, and quality standards.
| Handle Machine Operator | Pack Out Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $29,598 | $33,217 |
| Hourly rate | $14.23 | $15.97 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 110,258 | 73,108 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| 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 pack out operator is a manufacturing or packaging operation employee responsible for the final packaging of goods prior to shipping. Pack out operators come in at the last stage of the manufacturing process to ensure readiness. You will primarily work with machines and ensure that the right packaging standards and procedures are adhered to. The pack out operator oversees package labeling, branding, weighing, inspection and verification, and palletizing.
Handle machine operators and pack out operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Handle Machine Operator | Pack Out Operator | |
| Average salary | $29,598 | $33,217 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $36,000 | Between $25,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Milwaukee, WI |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | Wisconsin |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a handle machine operator and a pack out operator in terms of educational background:
| Handle Machine Operator | Pack Out Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between handle machine operators' and pack out operators' demographics:
| Handle Machine Operator | Pack Out Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 56.5% Female, 43.5% |
| 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, 11.7% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |