Post Job

What is a machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A machine operator operates machinery and equipment in a manufacturing or industrial setting. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting machines to ensure they are running effectively. Machine operators must have a strong understanding of the machinery they work with, as well as the ability to read technical blueprints and follow safety procedures. They may also be responsible for inspecting products for quality control purposes.

ScoreMachine OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $32,874

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.4

Growth Rate -6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.21%

Asian 7.49%

Black or African American 11.95%

Hispanic or Latino 15.96%

Unknown 3.41%

White 59.98%

Gender

female 27.65%

male 72.35%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress Level
4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.8

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Machine Operator?

Pros

  • Job security

  • Training opportunities

  • Competitive wages

  • Job satisfaction from producing tangible products

  • Working in a team environment

Cons

  • Shift work, including nights and weekends

  • High stress environment with tight production deadlines

  • Limited autonomy in decision making

  • Limited interaction with customers or clients

  • Potential for layoffs during economic downturns

Machine Operator career paths

Key steps to become a machine operator

  1. Explore machine operator education requirements

    Most common machine operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    52.9 %

    Associate

    15.9 %

    Diploma

    14.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific machine operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Basic Math11.15%
    CNC8.73%
    Math8.55%
    Safety Procedures8.17%
    Machine Operation6.40%
  3. Complete relevant machine operator training and internships

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

    • Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
    • Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
    • Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
    • Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
  5. Prepare your machine operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machine 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 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 Operator Resume templates

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

    Now it's time to start searching for a machine 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 Operator Job

Zippi

Are you a Machine Operator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average machine operator salary

The average Machine Operator salary in the United States is $32,874 per year or $16 per hour. Machine operator salaries range between $26,000 and $40,000 per year.

Average Machine Operator Salary
$32,874 Yearly
$15.80 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do machine operators rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Machine Operator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021
Pros

I finish the project before time.

Cons

To work with limited time,it slows the production.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Cons

The stress, the salary, you never have the time for yourself.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Doing my own stitches and designs

Cons

When it runs out of oil you have to oil it all over again


Working as a Machine Operator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Machine Operator FAQs

Search for machine operator jobs

Machine Operator jobs by state

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