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The differences between manufacturing operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a manufacturing operator has an average salary of $34,457, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a manufacturing operator include basic math, GMP and math. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Manufacturing Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,457 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $16.57 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 97,656 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Manufacturing operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manufacturing Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,457 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $43,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fort Collins, CO | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | DuPont | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a manufacturing operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Manufacturing Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between manufacturing operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Manufacturing Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 6% | 5% |