Paper machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between paper machine operators and handle 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 $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a paper machine operator include DCS, production problems and safety procedures. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Paper machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Paper Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,822	$29,598
Hourly rate	$16.26	$14.23
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	58,396	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	48	44
Years of experience	-	-

Paper machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Paper Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,822	$29,598
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $44,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Neenah, WI	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	California	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Koch Industries	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between paper machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Paper Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Paper machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Paper Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	48	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black 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, 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	8%	5%

Differences between paper machine operator and handle 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.

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.

Paper machine operator vs handle 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 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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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Paper Machine Operator
Paper Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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