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The differences between lead operator/machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead operator/machine operator has an average salary of $39,819, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a lead operator/machine operator include safety procedures, machine operators and quality standards. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Lead Operator/Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,819 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $19.14 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | - | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 162,376 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A Lead Operator or an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is responsible for creating, installing, and repairing different types of machinery. This person does the adjustment and maintenance of machines as well as the industrial production and distribution of types of equipment and other systems. They also identify the causes of the problem and determines the valued solutions. Other duties include maintaining the routine monitoring of equipment to ensure quality standards and examines the production equipment to evaluate the performance and if there are changes.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Lead operator/machine operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Operator/Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,819 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $53,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lead operator/machine operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Lead Operator/Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between lead operator/machine operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Lead Operator/Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.9% Female, 22.1% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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 Percentage | 5% | 5% |