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Heading machine operator vs general machine operator

The differences between heading machine operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a heading machine operator has an average salary of $38,675, which is higher than the $32,414 average annual salary of a general machine operator.

The top three skills for a heading machine operator include hand tools, production run and CNC. The most important skills for a general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Heading machine operator vs general machine operator overview

Heading Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Yearly salary$38,675$32,414
Hourly rate$18.59$15.58
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs59,193138,111
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Heading machine operator vs general machine operator salary

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

Heading Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average salary$38,675$32,414
Salary rangeBetween $12,000 And $121,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Oshkosh, WI
Highest paying state-Wisconsin
Best paying company-Reckitt Benckiser
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between heading machine operator and general machine operator education

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

Heading Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Heading machine operator vs general machine operator demographics

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

Heading Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 78.4% Female, 21.6%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.9% 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 Percentage5%5%

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

Heading machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Set up, run and programe CNC machining centers using set up sheets.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.

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.

Heading machine operator vs general machine operator skills

Common heading machine operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 31%
  • Production RUN, 23%
  • CNC, 20%
  • Calipers, 14%
  • RAN, 3%
  • Embroidery, 2%
Common general machine operator skills
  • Math, 12%
  • CNC, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Production Process, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%

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