What does a machine tender do?
Machine tender responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real machine tender resumes:
- Set up and run production on a 1000 ton press for 20 different dyes.
- 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.
Machine tender skills and personality traits
We calculated that 25% of Machine Tenders are proficient in Quality Standards, Mathematics, and RAN.
We break down the percentage of Machine Tenders that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Quality Standards, 25%
Supervised assembly line personnel to ensure wrapping/packaging quality standards are met.
- Mathematics, 18%
Calculated dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and measuring instruments.
- RAN, 17%
Machine Tender Ran injection molding machines.
- PPE, 11%
Recognized for work done in a sterile environment and utilizing correct safety PPE for surrounding work areas/machinery.
- Safety Procedures, 10%
Performed general administrative requirements in accordance with established safety procedures, including document formatting, proofreading and maintaining cell input.
- Paper Machine, 7%
Operated wet end of paper machine and directed and assisted with operations of the entire machine.
Common skills that a machine tender uses to do their job include "quality standards," "mathematics," and "ran." You can find details on the most important machine tender responsibilities below.
The three companies that hire the most machine tenders are:
- KIK Custom Products Inc.3 machine tenders jobs
- Toyo Ink America
3 machine tenders jobs
- WestRock2 machine tenders jobs
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Machine tender vs. Filler operator
A filler operator works with the packaging end of a production line. The filler's task is to fill containers with the required number of products before packaging and shipping. The filler also operates filling machines and makes the necessary adjustments to ensure consistency. They are also responsible for inventory and maintenance of filling process equipment. They must work well under pressure and be scrupulously accurate.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between machine tenders and filler operator. For instance, machine tender responsibilities require skills such as "mathematics," "ran," "production problems," and "paper machine." Whereas a filler operator is skilled in "quality checks," "food safety," "pallets," and "basic math." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Filler operators tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $41,472. In contrast, machine tenders make the biggest average salary, $39,320, in the manufacturing industry.On average, filler operators reach similar levels of education than machine tenders. Filler operators are 0.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Machine tender vs. Packaging specialist
Packaging specialists basically focus on the development of packages that are attractive, cost-effective, and appropriate for product preservation. The specialists make a plan, train, supervise, and do different duties associated with packaging. They audit packaging designs and look for ways to improve their appearance. It is part of their job to provide the organization or company with doable ideas for cost savings.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, machine tender responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "mathematics," "ran," "production problems," and "ppe." Meanwhile, a packaging specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "dod," "package design," "logistics," and "safety policies." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Packaging specialists may earn a higher salary than machine tenders, but packaging specialists earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $67,991. On the other hand, machine tenders receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $39,320.packaging specialists earn similar levels of education than machine tenders in general. They're 2.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine tender vs. Cell operator
A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a machine tender is likely to be skilled in "mathematics," "ran," "production problems," and "ppe," while a typical cell operator is skilled in "math," "cnc," "calipers," and "micrometers."
Cell operators earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $41,770. Machine tenders earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,320.cell operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to machine tenders. Specifically, they're 2.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine tender vs. Packaging associate
Packaging associates are skilled employees who are responsible for wrapping material around consumer items. This serves to protect and clean products, making them marketable. These associates must perform maintenance on the packaging equipment to ensure that they are running efficiently with minimal downtime. They must inspect completed products for defects and abnormalities to satisfy their customers. Packaging associates must also communicate with technicians and supervisors to rectify problems and ensure that the products are with standards and following their customers' requirements.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between machine tenders and packaging associates, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a machine tender might have more use for skills like "mathematics," "ran," "production problems," and "ppe." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of packaging associates require skills like "pallets," "defective products," "minor maintenance," and "basic math. "
In general, packaging associates earn the most working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $36,252. The highest-paying industry for a machine tender is the manufacturing industry.In general, packaging associates hold similar degree levels compared to machine tenders. Packaging associates are 3.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of machine tender
Updated January 8, 2025











