Tunneling machine operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between tunneling machine 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 $29,347 average annual salary of a tunneling machine operator.

The top three skills for a tunneling machine operator include control room, dryers and . The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Tunneling machine operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$29,347	$29,598
Hourly rate	$14.11	$14.23
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,605	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	38	44
Years of experience	2	-

Tunneling machine operator vs handle machine operator salary

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

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$29,347	$29,598
Salary range	Between $23,000 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 tunneling machine operator and handle machine operator education

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

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tunneling machine operator vs handle machine operator demographics

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

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	38	44
Gender ratio	Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	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	3%	5%

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

Tunneling machine operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

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.

Tunneling machine operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common tunneling machine operator skills

Control Room, 84%
Dryers, 16%

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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Tunneling Machine Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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