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The differences between press operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a press operator has an average salary of $34,568, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a press operator include quality standards, press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Press Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,568 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $16.62 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,215 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines. Press operators must have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry and the ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.
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.
Press operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,568 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Westfield, MA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | ProAmpac | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a press operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Press Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |