Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a lead operator/machine operator and how to become one
Lead operator/machine operators work in industrial production. They are responsible for operating heavy machinery at manufacturing sites. They repair and install the machines as well, setting correct adjustments and performing maintenance work to ensure the equipment is always safe to use.
Working as a lead operator, you will be responsible for overseeing the work at your department. You will coordinate the various work phases and delegate tasks to make sure production quotas are delivered within the deadline. Training employees will be your job as well. Other than that, you will assist with any activity that ensures a steady workflow.
You need to be able to lead a team of workers in this position. Experience in manufacturing environments will be important, and sometimes an associate's degree in a technical field is also required. You will be working in rotating shifts, probably for long hours at a stretch. Being up to speed with safety regulations will be a relevant factor in evaluating your competence as well.
Avg. Salary $39,819
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.23%
Asian 7.62%
Black or African American 11.64%
Hispanic or Latino 17.07%
Unknown 3.45%
White 58.98%
Genderfemale 22.15%
male 77.85%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Lead operator/machine operator career paths
Key steps to become a lead operator/machine operator
Explore lead operator/machine operator education requirements
Start to develop specific lead operator/machine operator skills
Skills Percentages Safety Procedures 13.19% Machine Operators 8.19% Quality Standards 7.53% Preventative Maintenance 6.33% CNC 5.59% Complete relevant lead operator/machine operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead operator/machine 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/machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead operator/machine operator resumes.Research lead operator/machine operator duties and responsibilities
- Manage and troubleshoot a variety of different heavy machinery.
- Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
- Follow proper GMP practices, OSHA standards, and other company policies.
- Assure accordance with ISO, OSHA, and FDA regulations.
Get lead operator/machine operator experience
Prepare your lead operator/machine operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead operator/machine 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/machine 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/machine operator resume templates
Build a professional lead operator/machine 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/machine operator resume.
Apply for lead operator/machine operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a lead operator/machine operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first lead operator/machine operator job
Are you a lead operator/machine operator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average lead operator/machine operator salary
The average lead operator/machine operator salary in the United States is $39,819 per year or $19 per hour. Lead operator/machine operator salaries range between $29,000 and $53,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do lead operator/machine operators rate their job?
Lead operator/machine operator reviews
Get to really know the mills, the sounds and what you have to do throughout the day to get them to run smoothly efficiently I'm putting Max product out into the tanks.
The old one are high maintenance but even then fun to work on.
Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time
It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job
Updated January 8, 2025
