Machine operator mechanic vs handle machine operator

The differences between machine operators mechanic and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator mechanic has an average salary of $39,272, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a machine operator mechanic include safety procedures, hand tools and mechanical repairs. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Machine operator mechanic vs handle machine operator overview

	Machine Operator Mechanic	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$39,272	$29,598
Hourly rate	$18.88	$14.23
Growth rate	14%	7%
Number of jobs	91,063	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	48	44
Years of experience	2	-

Machine operator mechanic vs handle machine operator salary

Machine operators mechanic and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Machine Operator Mechanic	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$39,272	$29,598
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $51,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	-	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between machine operator mechanic and handle machine operator education

There are a few differences between a machine operator mechanic and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Machine Operator Mechanic	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Machine operator mechanic vs handle machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between machine operators mechanic' and handle machine operators' demographics:

	Machine Operator Mechanic	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	48	44
Gender ratio	Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	5%

Differences between machine operator mechanic and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Machine operator mechanic example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Operate CNC grinders, disco dicing, and arbor truing machines.
Machine operator- run and maintain CNC router machine and door sizer see machine.
Comply with mechanics during machine servicing to establish safe machinery using PPE and DMM devices.
Leverage experience in select electrical and electronics, as well as PLC troubleshooting and programming.
Maintain technical data/records for mechanical/electrical repair and adjustments to assure product conformance with SPC specifications.

Handle machine operator example responsibilities.

Operate CNC to manufacture table tops, end tables, desks, and other products.
Produce machined parts by programming, setting up and operation a computer numerical control CNC machine.
Document lens specifications according to FDA regulations.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Machine operator mechanic vs handle machine operator skills

Common machine operator mechanic skills

Safety Procedures, 17%
Hand Tools, 12%
Mechanical Repairs, 8%
Production Machines, 7%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%
PPE, 5%

Common handle machine operator skills

Forklifts, 13%
Cranes, 13%
Production Lines, 13%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Customer Orders, 8%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Machine Operator Mechanic
Machine Operator Mechanic vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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