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The differences between packaging associates and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, which is higher than the $31,519 average annual salary of a packaging associate.
The top three skills for a packaging associate include pallets, defective products and basic math. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Packaging Associate | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,519 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $15.15 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 40,179 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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.
Packaging associates and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Packaging Associate | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,519 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | PepsiCo | BD |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a packaging associate and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Packaging Associate | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between packaging associates' and machine operators' demographics:
| Packaging Associate | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.9% Female, 42.1% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.9% White, 60.4% 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% |