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The differences between washer 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 $31,789 average annual salary of a washer operator.
The top three skills for a washer operator include safety standards, dryers and car wash. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,789 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $15.28 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 75,715 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
A washer operator is tasked with operating laundry machines. They operate and tend to washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, and dryers that, in turn, take care of household or industrial articles. In special cases, they may need to make use of different methods in sorting these fabrics and materials of various colors, sizes, and materials. They also have to sort, hang, or fold articles after they are done washing and drying them.
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.
Washer operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,789 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Belvidere, IL | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Siemens | BD |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a washer operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between washer operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 | 11% | 5% |