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Paper machine operator vs general machine operator

The differences between paper machine operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a paper machine operator has an average salary of $33,822, which is higher than the $32,414 average annual salary of a general machine operator.

The top three skills for a paper machine operator include DCS, production problems and safety procedures. The most important skills for a general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Paper machine operator vs general machine operator overview

Paper Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Yearly salary$33,822$32,414
Hourly rate$16.26$15.58
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs58,396138,111
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4844
Years of experience--

Paper machine operator vs general machine operator salary

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

Paper Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average salary$33,822$32,414
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $44,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityNeenah, WIOshkosh, WI
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWisconsin
Best paying companyKoch IndustriesReckitt Benckiser
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between paper machine operator and general machine operator education

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

Paper Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Paper machine operator vs general machine operator demographics

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

Paper Machine OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average age4844
Gender ratioMale, 85.6% Female, 14.4%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.5%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 Percentage8%5%

Differences between paper machine operator and general machine operator duties and responsibilities

Paper machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Train as a 1st responder.
  • Set up and operate Flexo printing machine using inline folding-gluing process.
  • Operate cranes and hoists to move reels of paper and machine rolls.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Monitor finish cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming.
  • Operate hoists to lift paper from one machine to the other.
  • Show more

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.

Paper machine operator vs general machine operator skills

Common paper machine operator skills
  • DCS, 17%
  • Production Problems, 14%
  • Safety Procedures, 14%
  • Detect Defects, 10%
  • Machine Components, 9%
  • RAN, 8%
Common general machine operator skills
  • Math, 12%
  • CNC, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Production Process, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%

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