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The differences between lift operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.
The top three skills for a lift operator include pallets, fork-lift and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Lift Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,309 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $15.53 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 72,445 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Lift operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lift Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,309 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | BD | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a lift operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Lift Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between lift operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Lift Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 4% | 5% |