Tow motor operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between tow motor operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a handle machine operator has an average salary of $29,598, which is higher than the $29,544 average annual salary of a tow motor operator.

The top three skills for a tow motor operator include production lines, safety procedures and pallet jack. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Tow motor operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Tow Motor Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$29,544	$29,598
Hourly rate	$14.20	$14.23
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	72,291	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	4	-

Tow motor operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Tow Motor Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$29,544	$29,598
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $36,000	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 tow motor operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Tow Motor Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tow motor operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Tow Motor Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 1.8% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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	4%	5%

Differences between tow motor operator and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Tow motor operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Fabricate and assemble products using CNC machine by keying in programs numbers and also codes.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Load and unload items from machines and dollies.

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.

Tow motor operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common tow motor operator skills

Production Lines, 25%
Safety Procedures, 12%
Pallet Jack, 9%
RF Scanner, 7%
Line Assembly, 5%
Transport Vehicles, 4%

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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Transportation Industry
Tow Motor Operator
Tow Motor Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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