Tamping machine operator vs machine operator

The differences between tamping machine operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, which is higher than the $32,069 average annual salary of a tamping machine operator.

The top three skills for a tamping machine operator include grade specifications, CDL and track structure. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Tamping machine operator vs machine operator overview

	Tamping Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$32,069	$32,874
Hourly rate	$15.42	$15.80
Growth rate	5%	-6%
Number of jobs	53,712	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	45	44
Years of experience	2	-

Tamping machine operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Tamping Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$32,069	$32,874
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $41,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	BD
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between tamping machine operator and machine operator education

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

	Tamping Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Engineering	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tamping machine operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between tamping machine operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Tamping Machine Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	45	44
Gender ratio	Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%	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	2%	5%

Differences between tamping machine operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Tamping machine operator example responsibilities.

Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Crane operator, Bidwell paving machine operator and setup.

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.

Tamping machine operator vs machine operator skills

Common tamping machine operator skills

Grade Specifications, 35%
CDL, 34%
Track Structure, 27%
Tampers, 4%

Common machine operator skills

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

Tamping Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

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Tamping Machine Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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