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Industrial worker vs handle machine operator

The differences between industrial workers and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an industrial worker has an average salary of $31,464, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for an industrial worker include industrial cleaning, pallets and hand tools. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Industrial worker vs handle machine operator overview

Industrial WorkerHandle Machine Operator
Yearly salary$31,464$29,598
Hourly rate$15.13$14.23
Growth rate1%7%
Number of jobs99,045110,258
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age3844
Years of experience--

Industrial worker vs handle machine operator salary

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

Industrial WorkerHandle Machine Operator
Average salary$31,464$29,598
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityWhite Bear Lake, MNRedwood City, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutPennsylvania
Best paying companyClean HarborsLand O'Lakes
Best paying industryAutomotiveManufacturing

Differences between industrial worker and handle machine operator education

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

Industrial WorkerHandle Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Industrial worker vs handle machine operator demographics

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

Industrial WorkerHandle Machine Operator
Average age3844
Gender ratioMale, 61.3% Female, 38.7%Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 Percentage9%5%

Differences between industrial worker and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Industrial worker example responsibilities.

  • Maximize efficiency by critically evaluating resources by utilizing on-the-spot math and visualizing complete orders to minimize error before building a pallet.
  • Help develop acontrol atmosphere brazing oven for a new cupro braze radiator

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.

Industrial worker vs handle machine operator skills

Common industrial worker skills
  • Industrial Cleaning, 19%
  • Pallets, 18%
  • Hand Tools, 16%
  • Assembly Line, 14%
  • Safety Standards, 8%
  • Pallet Jack, 4%
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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