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Machine builder vs assembling machine operator

The differences between machine builders and assembling machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a machine builder and an assembling machine operator. Additionally, a machine builder has an average salary of $39,658, which is higher than the $31,275 average annual salary of an assembling machine operator.

The top three skills for a machine builder include hand tools, CNC and mechanical assembly. The most important skills for an assembling machine operator are assembly line, safety procedures, and CNC.

Machine builder vs assembling machine operator overview

Machine BuilderAssembling Machine Operator
Yearly salary$39,658$31,275
Hourly rate$19.07$15.04
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs38,87987,253
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 54%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a machine builder do?

A machine builder typically works as someone responsible for building machinery and equipment in a manufacturing, industrial, or processing facility. It requires labor as they often carry and work with heavy equipment and machine tools. They are the person who assembles parts, draws blueprint and sketches, and drills holes. They are also responsible for the construction of buildings with the use of either a hand tool or power tool.

What does an assembling machine operator do?

An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues. Furthermore, an assembling machine operator needs to adhere to the safety regulations and policies at all times.

Machine builder vs assembling machine operator salary

Machine builders and assembling machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Machine BuilderAssembling Machine Operator
Average salary$39,658$31,275
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $49,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityCedar Falls, IAGrand Rapids, MI
Highest paying stateRhode IslandRhode Island
Best paying companyCorning IncorporatedPress-Seal Gasket Corporation
Best paying industryManufacturingAutomotive

Differences between machine builder and assembling machine operator education

There are a few differences between a machine builder and an assembling machine operator in terms of educational background:

Machine BuilderAssembling Machine Operator
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 54%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Machine builder vs assembling machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between machine builders' and assembling machine operators' demographics:

Machine BuilderAssembling Machine Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 97.0% Female, 3.0%Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Asian, 1.9% White, 80.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 2.0% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between machine builder and assembling machine operator duties and responsibilities

Machine builder example responsibilities.

  • Work with grinders, band see, drill press and MIG welder on a daily basis.
  • Install water manifolds and float switches.
  • Run and operate all manual mills, lathes and grinders.
  • Machine parts for new construction and repair jobs on cranes.
  • Condition, rework, TIG weld vibratory and centrifugal feeder bowls.
  • Operate CNC mills and grinders, operate shaft presses and pin presses.
  • Show more

Assembling machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Used to wearing PPE and other safety gear.
  • Check parts according to SPC standards and charts.
  • Load pre-cut graphite stamp dyes into EDM head.
  • Work in extreme temperature with personal PPE for safety.
  • Supervise line team and train new employees on the GMP.
  • Meet all quality and GMP standards by documenting all stages of production.
  • Show more

Machine builder vs assembling machine operator skills

Common machine builder skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • CNC, 6%
  • Mechanical Assembly, 5%
  • Assembly Blueprints, 5%
  • Mechanical Drawings, 4%
  • MIG, 4%
Common assembling machine operator skills
  • Assembly Line, 21%
  • Safety Procedures, 16%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Machine Operation, 6%
  • Quality Control Checks, 4%
  • Quality Standards, 4%

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