Do machine operators make good money?

No, machine operators generally don't make good money right away. The average yearly salary is $28,000. With more experience, at a mid-level position, you can make an average salary of $29,500. At a senior level, you can make an average of $38,100. Furthermore, the top-paying companies have to do with manufacturing, automotive, and retail, offering $40,000+ yearly salary.

How much do lead operators make?

Lead operators make between $44,000 and $56,000 per year. Both where an operator is employed in the country and their experience factor into their exact annual earnings. Lead operators are important to a company's production and quality control. These individuals are needed where manufacturing takes place. There are areas of the country where lead operator salaries differ.

What is a machine operator?

A machine operator oversees one or several machines used for production. The individuals have several responsibilities depending on the specific machinery they are charged with operating.

How To Become A Lead Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a lead operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A lead operator oversees the operations of a team or department within a company. They ensure that all processes and procedures are followed correctly, as well as managing and training employees. A lead operator may also set performance targets, monitor progress, and report to upper management. They must have leadership skills, technical knowledge, and work experience. A successful lead operator can communicate effectively, work well under pressure, and make decisions quickly and effectively.

ScoreLead OperatorUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $88,429

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.1

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 4.60%

Black or African American 12.29%

Hispanic or Latino 18.73%

Unknown 4.08%

White 59.60%

Gender

female 26.53%

male 73.47%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a lead operator?

Pros

Competitive salary and benefits
Job security with steady demand for operators in various industries
Potential for overtime pay and bonuses
Opportunities for advancement within the company
Work schedule may include weekends or off-hours, allowing for flexibility in personal life

Cons

Physically demanding job with long periods of standing or sitting
High stress levels due to job responsibilities and deadlines
Risk of accidents or injuries from operating heavy machinery
May require working in noisy or hazardous environments
Potential exposure to chemicals or fumes while working with machinery

Key steps to become a lead operator

Explore lead operator education requirements

Most common lead operator degrees

Bachelor's

45.0 %

High School Diploma

21.3 %

Associate

18.1 %

Start to develop specific lead operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	17.93%
HR	10.21%
Process Improvement	6.17%
Project Management	6.10%
Continuous Improvement	5.56%

Complete relevant lead operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lead operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead operator resumes.

Gain additional lead operator certifications

Lead operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific lead operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for lead operators include OSHA Safety Certificate and Six Sigma Green Belt.

More About Certifications

Research lead operator duties and responsibilities

Plan, organize, and lead Kaizen activities as well as managed the cost reduction activities from idea to implementation.
Contact potential REO listing brokers achieving the highest return call rate.
Create UAT scripts and utilize statistical process controls to manage loan process quality and ensure consistency.
Achieve goals in various metrics, from sales to plan, payroll, additional services, print center.

Get lead operator experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a lead operator. The most common roles before becoming a lead operator include operator, customer service representative team lead and cashier.

Prepare your lead operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lead operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable lead operator resume templates

Build a professional lead operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lead operator resume.