Post job

What is a machine feed operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a machine feed operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.86 an hour? That's $37,141 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreMachine Feed OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $37,141

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
2.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.35%

Asian 4.88%

Black or African American 12.51%

Hispanic or Latino 11.01%

Unknown 3.42%

White 66.83%

Gender

female 31.82%

male 68.18%

Age - 42.5
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 - 42.5
Stress level
2.6

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Machine feed operator career paths

Key steps to become a machine feed operator

  1. Explore machine feed operator education requirements

    Most common machine feed operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    60.0 %

    Associate

    21.4 %

    Certificate

    10.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific machine feed operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Quality Inspection38.62%
    RAN23.55%
    Quality Checks16.00%
    Plastic Material11.97%
    Product Quality9.86%
  3. Complete relevant machine feed operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New machine feed 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 machine feed operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real machine feed operator resumes.
  4. Research machine feed operator duties and responsibilities

    • Dump raw materials into the mixers; follow mix sequences to achieve designate temperatures.
    • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
    • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
  5. Prepare your machine feed operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machine feed 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 machine feed 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 machine feed operator resume templates

    Build a professional machine feed 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 machine feed operator resume.
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
    Machine Feed Operator Resume
  6. Apply for machine feed operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a machine feed operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first machine feed operator job

Zippi

Are you a machine feed operator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average machine feed operator salary

The average machine feed operator salary in the United States is $37,141 per year or $18 per hour. Machine feed operator salaries range between $28,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average machine feed operator salary
$37,141 Yearly
$17.86 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do machine feed operators rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Machine feed operator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

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

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


Working as a machine feed operator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse production and manufacturing jobs