Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between pack out operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pack out operator has an average salary of $33,217, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a pack out operator include pallets, safety procedures and quality standards. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,217 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $15.97 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 73,108 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A pack out operator is a manufacturing or packaging operation employee responsible for the final packaging of goods prior to shipping. Pack out operators come in at the last stage of the manufacturing process to ensure readiness. You will primarily work with machines and ensure that the right packaging standards and procedures are adhered to. The pack out operator oversees package labeling, branding, weighing, inspection and verification, and palletizing.
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.
Pack out operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,217 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Wisconsin | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Dairy Farmers of America | BD |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a pack out operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pack out operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.5% Female, 43.5% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 57.9% 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% |