Robotic machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between robotic machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a robotic machine operator has an average salary of $31,236, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a robotic machine operator include program robots, calipers and CNC. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Robotic machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Robotic Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$31,236	$29,598
Hourly rate	$15.02	$14.23
Growth rate	-5%	7%
Number of jobs	61,730	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Robotic machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Robotic Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$31,236	$29,598
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	-	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between robotic machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Robotic Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Robotic machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Robotic Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 76.9% Female, 23.1%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	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	5%	5%

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

Robotic machine operator example responsibilities.

Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
Gain knowledge to troubleshoot mold operations and perform repairs.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on work pieces, using trace templates, compasses, and rules.

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.

Robotic machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common robotic machine operator skills

Program Robots, 22%
Calipers, 16%
CNC, 11%
Production Equipment, 10%
Quality Checks, 9%
Quality Inspection, 5%

Common handle machine operator skills

Forklifts, 13%
Cranes, 13%
Production Lines, 13%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Customer Orders, 8%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

Robotic Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

Robotic Machine Operator related careers

Robotic Machine Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Robotic Machine Operator
Robotic Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs