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The differences between process operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a process operator has an average salary of $37,996, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a process operator include safety procedures, preventative maintenance and team-oriented environment. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Process Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,996 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $18.27 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 83,478 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
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.
Process operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,996 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | BD |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a process operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between process operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Process Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 6% | 5% |