Press machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between press machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a press machine operator has an average salary of $37,759, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a press machine operator include CNC, punch press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Press machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Press Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$37,759	$29,598
Hourly rate	$18.15	$14.23
Growth rate	-5%	7%
Number of jobs	84,779	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Press machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Press Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$37,759	$29,598
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $46,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Johnson Controls	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between press machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Press Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Press machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Press Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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	3%	5%

Differences between press machine operator and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Press machine operator example responsibilities.

Perform necassary quality checks using caliper, micrometers, and optical comparators to insure product meets specifics of blueprints.
Order new material predict troubles and delays for production schedules check out final product to ensure that it meet ISO standards
Stamp press operator, QC and SPC gauge parts, and assembly
Load supplies into machines either by hand or using hoists, replace molds and cutting surfaces.
Verify conformance to specifications, using calipers.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

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.

Press machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common press machine operator skills

CNC, 11%
Punch Press Machine, 11%
Quality Checks, 9%
Safety Guidelines, 8%
Brake Press, 7%
Product Quality, 6%

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
Press Machine Operator
Press Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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