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Machine operator/forklift operator vs general machine operator

The differences between machine operator/forklift operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator/forklift operator has an average salary of $32,452, which is higher than the $32,414 average annual salary of a general machine operator.

The top three skills for a machine operator/forklift operator include safety standards, drive forklift and load trucks. The most important skills for a general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Machine operator/forklift operator vs general machine operator overview

Machine Operator/Forklift OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Yearly salary$32,452$32,414
Hourly rate$15.60$15.58
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs120,073138,111
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 61%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4344
Years of experience4-

Machine operator/forklift operator vs general machine operator salary

Machine operator/forklift operators and general machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Machine Operator/Forklift OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average salary$32,452$32,414
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityRenton, WAOshkosh, WI
Highest paying stateAlaskaWisconsin
Best paying companyTreeHouse FoodsReckitt Benckiser
Best paying industryAutomotiveFinance

Differences between machine operator/forklift operator and general machine operator education

There are a few differences between a machine operator/forklift operator and a general machine operator in terms of educational background:

Machine Operator/Forklift OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 61%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Machine operator/forklift operator vs general machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between machine operator/forklift operators' and general machine operators' demographics:

Machine Operator/Forklift OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average age4344
Gender ratioMale, 89.9% Female, 10.1%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%5%

Differences between machine operator/forklift operator and general machine operator duties and responsibilities

Machine operator/forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Measure position of sheet with cores for evenly run product.
  • Keep inventory of products being run on a daily basis.
  • Support operation of rotary die cutter equipment QA testing to follow prescribe guidelines.
  • Operate power shovels, scrapers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozer, dump truck, forklift.
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating and breaking rock and concrete and making winter roads.
  • Show more

General machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Lift work pieces to machines using hoists.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Machine operator/forklift operator vs general machine operator skills

Common machine operator/forklift operator skills
  • Safety Standards, 17%
  • Drive Forklift, 9%
  • Load Trucks, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%
  • CNC, 6%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
Common general machine operator skills
  • Math, 12%
  • CNC, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Production Process, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%

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