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The differences between handle machine operators and saw operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a saw operator has an average salary of $32,319, 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 saw operator are tape measure, hand tools, and basic math.
| Handle Machine Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $29,598 | $32,319 |
| Hourly rate | $14.23 | $15.54 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 110,258 | 58,465 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 56% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| 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.
Saw operators are responsible for setting up and operating power saws to slot, cut, and trim metallic and non-metallic materials. They are the ones who choose and install blades on machinery using hand-tools and verify dimensions of finished material using measuring devices. They may perform additional tasks such as loading saws and monitoring sawing operations, and replacing damaged or worn saw blades. Saw operators are also responsible for recording data on production reports and assisting staff with the maintenance and repair of saw equipment.
Handle machine operators and saw operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Handle Machine Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Average salary | $29,598 | $32,319 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $36,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Springfield, OR |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | Micro Metals Inc. |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Construction |
There are a few differences between a handle machine operator and a saw operator in terms of educational background:
| Handle Machine Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 56% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between handle machine operators' and saw operators' demographics:
| Handle Machine Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| 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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 1.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |