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The differences between operators trainee and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an operator trainee has an average salary of $36,978, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for an operator trainee include customer service, hand tools and CDL. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,978 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $17.78 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 73,657 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The duties of an operator trainee depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around gaining insights by performing support tasks such as producing progress reports and documentation, maintaining records, coordinating with other members of the workforce, and operating machines while under the supervision of a manager or senior operator. Furthermore, as an operator trainee, it is essential to uphold the company's policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Operators trainee and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,978 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Middletown, CT | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | IBM | BD |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an operator trainee and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between operators trainee' and machine operators' demographics:
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.5% Female, 22.5% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 9.3% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |