Packaging technician vs handle machine operator

The differences between packaging technicians and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a packaging technician has an average salary of $35,973, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a packaging technician include basic math, GMP and math. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Packaging technician vs handle machine operator overview

	Packaging Technician	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,973	$29,598
Hourly rate	$17.29	$14.23
Growth rate	3%	7%
Number of jobs	64,859	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

What does a packaging technician do?

A packaging technician is responsible for planning the packaging design of various products, creating attractive outputs by utilizing software tools and applications, and ensuring that the deliverables adhere to the product's features. Packaging technicians generate new designs according to market trends and public demands. They discuss their product samples to the management team and adjust plans based on the requirements and suggestions. A packaging technician also considers the sales performance of the products to develop outputs that show high innovations, attracting customers to purchase the items, and generating more resources for revenues.

What does a handle machine operator do?

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 technician vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Packaging Technician	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,973	$29,598
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $44,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Moorhead, MN	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Manufacturing

Differences between packaging technician and handle machine operator education

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

	Packaging Technician	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Packaging technician vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Packaging Technician	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 59.6% 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%

Differences between packaging technician and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Packaging technician example responsibilities.

Perform machining, including but not limit to components using mills, lathes and surface grinders to accomplish repairs.
Complete accurate and timely documentation to comply with FDA and GMP regulations
Operate equipment in compliance with company and OSHA standards.
Team member of various over-the-counter lines to prepare package from pill form to truck-ready, with respect to FDA requirements.
Package pharmaceuticals, maintain a sterile environment and ensure OSHA standards, work in the clean room and freezer areas.
Conduct maintenance to material grinders.

Handle machine operator example responsibilities.

Operate CNC to manufacture table tops, end tables, desks, and other products.
Produce machined parts by programming, setting up and operation a computer numerical control CNC machine.
Document lens specifications according to FDA regulations.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Packaging technician vs handle machine operator skills

Common packaging technician skills

Basic Math, 8%
GMP, 7%
Math, 7%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Hand Tools, 5%
Data Entry, 5%

Common handle machine operator skills

Forklifts, 13%
Cranes, 13%
Production Lines, 13%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Customer Orders, 8%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

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Packaging Technician
Packaging Technician vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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