Heading machine operator vs pack machine operator

The differences between heading machine operators and pack 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 $35,157 average annual salary of a pack machine operator.

The top three skills for a heading machine operator include hand tools, production run and CNC. The most important skills for a pack machine operator are basic math, defective products, and team-oriented environment.

Heading machine operator vs pack machine operator overview

	Heading Machine Operator	Pack Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$38,675	$35,157
Hourly rate	$18.59	$16.90
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	59,193	68,876
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 54%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Heading machine operator vs pack machine operator salary

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

	Heading Machine Operator	Pack Machine Operator
Average salary	$38,675	$35,157
Salary range	Between $12,000 And $121,000	Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	-	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	-	North Dakota
Best paying company	-	Reser's Fine Foods
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between heading machine operator and pack machine operator education

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

	Heading Machine Operator	Pack Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 54%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heading machine operator vs pack machine operator demographics

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

	Heading Machine Operator	Pack Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%	Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 7.4% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between heading machine operator and pack 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.

Pack machine operator example responsibilities.

Insure that products pass inspection according to FDA contracts.
Perform CIP procedures on machinery when changing yogurt brands.
Maintain and operate machine and equipment quality control FDA approval identify good or bad parts
Observe quality of finish parts to prevent oversight by packer/inspector & prevent QA direction to rework/reinspect.
Perform QA checks, rework when need, cleaning, and transporting cages to the cooler.
Review other inspectors GMP forms; verify calibration and functionality of GMP instrumentation perform in-process tests and product audits.

Heading machine operator vs pack machine operator skills

Common heading machine operator skills

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

Common pack machine operator skills

Basic Math, 12%
Defective Products, 8%
Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
Quality Checks, 7%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Math, 6%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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