Heading machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between heading machine operators and handle 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 $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a heading machine operator include hand tools, production run and CNC. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Heading machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Heading Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$38,675	$29,598
Hourly rate	$18.59	$14.23
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	59,193	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Heading machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Heading Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$38,675	$29,598
Salary range	Between $12,000 And $121,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	-	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between heading machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Heading Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heading machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Heading Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black 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, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between heading machine operator and handle 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.

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.

Heading machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common heading machine operator skills

Hand Tools, 31%
Production RUN, 23%
CNC, 20%
Calipers, 14%
RAN, 3%
Embroidery, 2%

Common handle machine operator skills

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

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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