Set-up operator vs machine operator

The differences between set-up operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a set-up operator has an average salary of $39,269, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a set-up operator include calipers, cnc machines and hand tools. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Set-up operator vs machine operator overview

	Set-Up Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$39,269	$32,874
Hourly rate	$18.88	$15.80
Growth rate	-8%	-6%
Number of jobs	55,670	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	2	-

What does a set-up operator do?

A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.

What does a machine operator do?

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.

Set-up operator vs machine operator salary

Set-up operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Set-Up Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$39,269	$32,874
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $53,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Rochester, NY	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	New York	Minnesota
Best paying company	Schneider Electric Industrial Services	BD
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between set-up operator and machine operator education

There are a few differences between a set-up operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Set-Up Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Set-up operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between set-up operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Set-Up Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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%

Differences between set-up operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Set-up operator example responsibilities.

Manage daily scheduling of production workload to be setup and run on machinery.
Use and replacement of drills, taps, broaches, and reamers.
Manufacture parts according to blueprints, work with stainless steel aluminum, brass and plastics.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders.
Use of exact measuring instruments as CMM, optical comparators, mics, bore gauges and many other tools.
Produce parts from different materials such as cold roll steel, stainless steel, no lead brass and regular brass.

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Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

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Set-up operator vs machine operator skills

Common set-up operator skills

Calipers, 9%
CNC Machines, 7%
Hand Tools, 7%
Math, 6%
Quality Checks, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 6%

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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