Senior machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between senior machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior machine operator has an average salary of $40,353, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a senior machine operator include hand tools, CNC and quality standards. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Senior machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Senior Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$40,353	$29,598
Hourly rate	$19.40	$14.23
Growth rate	-	7%
Number of jobs	74,352	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Senior machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Senior Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$40,353	$29,598
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $64,000	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 senior machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Senior Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Senior machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Senior Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 7.7% White, 59.3% 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 senior machine operator and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Senior machine operator example responsibilities.

Manage and troubleshoot a variety of different heavy machinery.
Monitor department personnel to ensure SQF, SOPP, HACCP and GMP's are follow.
Lift work pieces to machines manually, using hoists, and with cranes.
Perform all extrusion line set ups, changeovers, start-ups, and continuous operations.
operate hydraulic hoists /machinery that make an electronic circuit board
Maintain technical data/records for mechanical/electrical repair and adjustments to assure product conformance with SPC specifications.

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.

Senior machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common senior machine operator skills

Hand Tools, 16%
CNC, 9%
Quality Standards, 6%
Machine Operators, 6%
Safety Procedures, 5%
PPE, 5%

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
Senior Machine Operator
Senior Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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