Packaging operator vs general machine operator

The differences between packaging operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a packaging operator has an average salary of $34,269, which is higher than the $32,414 average annual salary of a general machine operator.

The top three skills for a packaging operator include basic math, math and GMP. The most important skills for a general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Packaging operator vs general machine operator overview

	Packaging Operator	General Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$34,269	$32,414
Hourly rate	$16.48	$15.58
Growth rate	-	7%
Number of jobs	85,698	138,111
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 50%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Packaging operator vs general machine operator salary

Packaging operators and general machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Packaging Operator	General Machine Operator
Average salary	$34,269	$32,414
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $42,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Grand Forks, ND	Oshkosh, WI
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Wisconsin
Best paying company	Nestlé	Reckitt Benckiser
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Finance

Differences between packaging operator and general machine operator education

There are a few differences between a packaging operator and a general machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Packaging Operator	General Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 50%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Packaging operator vs general machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between packaging operators' and general machine operators' demographics:

	Packaging Operator	General Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3%	Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between packaging operator and general machine operator duties and responsibilities

Packaging operator example responsibilities.

Manage the receipt and tracking of control substances as well as the DEA biennial inspection.
Print, inspect and fill iv bags.
Use of calipers and plug gauge for machine measuring.
Print and complete all paperwork according to DEA regulations.
Fill iv bags with solution clean very sanitary place.
Participate in basic ISO training for all hourly and salary employees.

General machine operator example responsibilities.

Lift work pieces to machines using hoists.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Packaging operator vs general machine operator skills

Common packaging operator skills

Basic Math, 9%
Math, 8%
GMP, 8%
Quality Checks, 5%
Safety Procedures, 4%
Pallets, 4%

Common general machine operator skills

Math, 12%
CNC, 10%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Troubleshoot, 9%
Production Process, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Packaging Operator
Packaging Operator vs General Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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