Rig mechanic vs machine operator mechanic

The differences between rig mechanics and machine operators mechanic can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a rig mechanic and a machine operator mechanic. Additionally, a rig mechanic has an average salary of $44,088, which is higher than the $39,272 average annual salary of a machine operator mechanic.

The top three skills for a rig mechanic include hand tools, troubleshoot and mechanical equipment. The most important skills for a machine operator mechanic are safety procedures, hand tools, and mechanical repairs.

Rig mechanic vs machine operator mechanic overview

	Rig Mechanic	Machine Operator Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,088	$39,272
Hourly rate	$21.20	$18.88
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	89,556	91,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 46%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Rig mechanic vs machine operator mechanic salary

Rig mechanics and machine operators mechanic have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Rig Mechanic	Machine Operator Mechanic
Average salary	$44,088	$39,272
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $66,000	Between $30,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between rig mechanic and machine operator mechanic education

There are a few differences between a rig mechanic and a machine operator mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Rig Mechanic	Machine Operator Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 46%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Rig mechanic vs machine operator mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between rig mechanics' and machine operators mechanic' demographics:

	Rig Mechanic	Machine Operator Mechanic
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%	Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between rig mechanic and machine operator mechanic duties and responsibilities

Rig mechanic example responsibilities.

Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Machine operator mechanic example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Operate CNC grinders, disco dicing, and arbor truing machines.
Machine operator- run and maintain CNC router machine and door sizer see machine.
Comply with mechanics during machine servicing to establish safe machinery using PPE and DMM devices.
Leverage experience in select electrical and electronics, as well as PLC troubleshooting and programming.
Maintain technical data/records for mechanical/electrical repair and adjustments to assure product conformance with SPC specifications.

Rig mechanic vs machine operator mechanic skills

Common rig mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 12%
Mechanical Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Mud Pumps, 6%

Common machine operator mechanic skills

Safety Procedures, 17%
Hand Tools, 12%
Mechanical Repairs, 8%
Production Machines, 7%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%
PPE, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Rig Mechanic
Rig Mechanic vs Machine Operator Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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