Handle machine operator vs welder-machine operator

The differences between handle machine operators and welder-machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a welder-machine operator has an average salary of $37,171, 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 welder-machine operator are arc welding, safety equipment, and stainless steel.

Handle machine operator vs welder-machine operator overview

	Handle Machine Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$29,598	$37,171
Hourly rate	$14.23	$17.87
Growth rate	7%	-5%
Number of jobs	110,258	68,316
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	44	40
Years of experience	-	6

Handle machine operator vs welder-machine operator salary

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

	Handle Machine Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Average salary	$29,598	$37,171
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $36,000	Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Redwood City, CA	Fontana, CA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	Nevada
Best paying company	Land O'Lakes	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

Differences between handle machine operator and welder-machine operator education

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

	Handle Machine Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	Dunwoody College of Technology

Handle machine operator vs welder-machine operator demographics

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

	Handle Machine Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Average age	44	40
Gender ratio	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%	Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	3%

Differences between handle machine operator and welder-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.

Welder-machine operator example responsibilities.

Weld required parts using GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW.
Require to weld a wide veriety of assemblies, fabricate parts and maintain equipment and fixtures employing GMAW and GTAW techniques.
Operate the welding robots and do rework with the MIG welder.
Weld both steel and aluminum pressure tanks for both train and truck air brake systems.
Dismantle metal assemblies and cut scrap metal, using thermal-cutting equipment such as flame-cutting torches or plasma-arc equipment.
Position, align, fit, and weld together parts, using jigs, welding torch, and hand tools.

Handle machine operator vs welder-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 welder-machine operator skills

Arc Welding, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%
Stainless Steel, 6%
CNC, 6%
Tig Welding, 5%
Tape Measure, 5%

Handle Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

Handle Machine Operator related careers

Handle Machine Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Handle Machine Operator
Handle Machine Operator vs Welder-Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs