Kiln operator vs machine operator

The differences between kiln operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a kiln operator has an average salary of $33,268, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a kiln operator include safety standards, safety procedures and rail cars. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Kiln operator vs machine operator overview

	Kiln Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,268	$32,874
Hourly rate	$15.99	$15.80
Growth rate	7%	-6%
Number of jobs	47,809	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	45	44
Years of experience	-	-

Kiln operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Kiln Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,268	$32,874
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $41,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Hillsboro, OR	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Minnesota
Best paying company	Rosboro	BD
Best paying industry	Construction	Automotive

Differences between kiln operator and machine operator education

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

	Kiln Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Kiln operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between kiln operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Kiln Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	45	44
Gender ratio	Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 5.3% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	5%

Differences between kiln operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Kiln operator example responsibilities.

Manage and buy lumber, run the kilns and boughtlumber from all hardwood producing areas.
Develop a new and up to date HAZWASTE program for the site
Close tunnel doors and start blowers and heaters to regulate humidity and temperature within tunnel.
Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, pallet jacks or hoists.
Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
Operate spray dryer to make powder and send parts for pressing.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Kiln operator vs machine operator skills

Common kiln operator skills

Safety Standards, 22%
Safety Procedures, 15%
Rail Cars, 13%
Production Equipment, 7%
RAN, 5%
Moisture Content, 5%

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%