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The differences between packaging operators and handle 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 $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a packaging operator include basic math, math and GMP. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Packaging Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,269 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $16.48 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | - | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 85,698 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The primary job of a packaging operator is to take the finished product and ensure that it is packaged based on the company and industry standards. You will be responsible for operating the machinery used in packaging and conducting routine inspection and preventative equipment maintenance. Other duties include product labeling, troubleshooting equipment issues on time to prevent delays, and completing packaging orders on time. As a packaging operator, you are also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational policies.
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.
Packaging operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Packaging Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,269 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a packaging operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Packaging Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between packaging operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Packaging Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 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 | 5% | 5% |