Q: Is a machine operator a machinist?

Yes, machine operators are considered machinists. Google defines a machinist as "a person who operates a machine, especially a machine tool." By this broad term, they are interchangeable.

Q: How much do machine operators make a year?

Machine operators make $28,000 a year. A machine operator, on average, makes $28,000 a year, with salaries ranging anywhere between $23,000 and $34,000. The barrier to entry for a machine operator is incredibly low, but sadly so is the pay rate. People with significant experience may find themselves earning more, though it is usually more beneficial to pursue advancement within the field.

Q: Is being a heavy equipment operator a good job?

Yes, being a heavy equipment operator is a good job. Construction is always a hot commodity and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Heavy equipment operators can make upwards of $65,000, with the best of the best earning nearly $100,000 or more a year.

Question 1

Do machine operators make good money?

Accepted Answer

No, machine operators generally don't make good money right away. The average yearly salary is $28,000.

With more experience, at a mid-level position, you can make an average salary of $29,500. At a senior level, you can make an average of $38,100. Furthermore, the top-paying companies have to do with manufacturing, automotive, and retail, offering $40,000+ yearly salary.

Question 2

Is a machine operator a machinist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, machine operators are considered machinists. Google defines a machinist as "a person who operates a machine, especially a machine tool." By this broad term, they are interchangeable.

Question 3

What qualifications do you need to be a machine operator?

Accepted Answer

To be a machine operator, you typically need the minimum qualification of a high school diploma or GED.

Although you can get a college education to increase your chances of landing higher-paying jobs in specific industries, some jobs may not require it and offer training instead.

Question 4

What skills do you need to be a machine operator?

Accepted Answer

A machine operator should have at least good analytical, mechanical, and coordination skills.

Depending on the industry, you may need certification in specific technical skills to perform safely and efficiently. Overall, it's helpful to have the ability to handle large and heavy machinery with steady hands and the ability to understand schematics and detailed instructions.

Question 5

What is a good starting salary for a Machine Operator?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a machine operator is $27,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a machine operator in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for machine operators is $32,658, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a machine operator can vary by state.

Question 6

How much do big machine operators make?

Accepted Answer

Big machine operators, also known as heavy equipment operators or construction equipment operators, make roughly $49,000.

Depending on the role, you can earn more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pile-driver operators made about $63,370 in 2020.

Question 7

Can a machine operator make 100k?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot make $100,000 per year as a machine operator. It is highly unlikely to earn over $100k because the average annual salary for a machine operator is $32,658. Even machine operators in higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $39,000 per year.

Question 8

How long does it take to be a machine operator?

Accepted Answer

It typically doesn't take very long after graduating high school to be a machine operator.

Most machine operators don't need a college education as a high school diploma will suffice. Instead, it's about ensuring you are certified in essential skills and equipped with specific knowledge to operate machinery such as the OSHA Safety Certificate, Forklift Safety, and Inspector, or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification.

Question 9

How much do machine operators make a year?

Accepted Answer

Machine operators make $28,000 a year. A machine operator, on average, makes $28,000 a year, with salaries ranging anywhere between $23,000 and $34,000.

The barrier to entry for a machine operator is incredibly low, but sadly so is the pay rate. People with significant experience may find themselves earning more, though it is usually more beneficial to pursue advancement within the field.

Question 10

Is being a heavy equipment operator a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a heavy equipment operator is a good job. Construction is always a hot commodity and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Heavy equipment operators can make upwards of $65,000, with the best of the best earning nearly $100,000 or more a year.

Question 11

What industry is machine operator?

Accepted Answer

Machine operators are part of various industries depending on the job, such as manufacturing and production facilities, warehouses, or construction.

If they handle large machinery to transport objects, they most likely work in warehouses or construction. If they create specific parts for various products using specialized machines like a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, they most likely work in manufacturing and production plants.

Question 12

What is the highest-paid heavy equipment operator?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid heavy equipment operator position is the crane operator. Crane operators can make anywhere from $33,500 to $58,500 on average, with the most experienced operators making nearly $100,000 a year.

Question 13

What percentage of Machine Operators are female?

Accepted Answer

28.3% of machine operators are female in the United States. This is 1.3 percentage points higher than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female machine operators has decreased by -0.4 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 304,635 female machine operators in the U.S. and 771,816 male machine operators in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 1,076,451 people with the specific job title of machine operator and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 14

What are the duties of a machine operator?

Accepted Answer

The duties of a machine operator range from setup to maintenance of one or multiple machines. In order for the machinery to run efficiently, the operator has numerous responsibilities that often must be executed alone.

Question 15

What are the skills of a machine operator?

Accepted Answer

The skills of a machine operator focus on attention to detail and the ability to work well with others. While operators must be mechanically inclined, other soft skills are equally important.

Question 16

What should a machine operator put on a resume?

Accepted Answer

A machine operator should put all skills that comprise the setup, running, and maintenance of production machinery on a resume. Machinists are often the sole individuals responsible for all three of these aspects of operation and should reflect these diverse skills on their resumes.

Question 17

What is TPM in manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

TPM (total productive maintenance) in manufacturing is an approach to the maintenance of equipment to achieve and maintain perfect production.

The purpose of TPM is to prevent the breakdown of machines, stops in production, and defects in the products. TPM is the practice of preventative maintenance for optimal efficiency. There are eight pillars that create a successful TPM process.

Frequently asked questions about machine operators

Questions about becoming a machine operator