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The differences between warehouse machine operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a warehouse machine operator has an average salary of $33,796, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a warehouse machine operator include basic math, safety regulations and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,796 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $16.25 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 229,051 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
Warehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines. They are expected to communicate with other team members and provide support for continuous production. Most employers are looking to hire someone with knowledge of production and safety procedures, previous experience as a machine operator, and analytical skills.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Warehouse machine operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,796 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $41,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fridley, MN | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a warehouse machine operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between warehouse machine operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.3% Female, 14.7% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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% |