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The differences between packaging technicians and 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 $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a packaging technician include basic math, GMP and math. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Packaging Technician | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,973 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $17.29 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 64,859 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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 technicians and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Packaging Technician | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,973 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Moorhead, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Dairy Farmers of America | BD |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a packaging technician and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Packaging Technician | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between packaging technicians' and machine operators' demographics:
| Packaging Technician | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| 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, 12.0% 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% |