Working as a machine operator requires you to have strong knowledge and experience working with equipment, tools, and machinery. Your job duties typically require you to set up, operate, clean, and maintain your assigned machine. The role can be physically demanding. It requires you to have strong problem solving ability and a keen eye for details.
Machine operator jobs can be physically challenging. You often work in adverse conditions. You will be required to lift heavy objects and be on your feet for prolonged periods of time. Many jobs are in an industrial or manufacturing setting. Some positions could require you to work outdoors. Shifts can be up to 12 hours. Evening, weekend, and oncall work is possible.
As machine operators build experience over the years, you will open the door to new opportunities to work with more complex equipment. Some operators specialize in a specific industry or operating specific equipment. You also have the opportunity to move into related roles such as heavy machine maintenance, sales, or facility management.
Machine operators have one of the highest average salaries for the position. You can make close to $45,000 per year on average. This is $21.50 per hour. You can make more than $25 per hour in this role.
annual: $44,720
monthly: $3,440
weekly: $860
hourly: $21.50
lowest salary: $17.90 per hour
average salary: $21.50 per hour
highest salary: $25.40 per hour
junior salary: $17.90-$21.40 per hour
intermediate salary: $19.70-$23.40 per hour
senior salary: $21.30-$25.40 per hour
A machine operator’s responsibilities are pretty straightforward. You need to operate your piece of equipment based on the provided specifications. But there are other duties that are also part of your job. They include:
Experienced machine operators are in demand by many organizations. You can find work in manufacturing and construction primarily. But you can also find roles operating machinery in retail warehousing, distribution centres and many other supply chain related organizations.
Top machine operators are experienced and can work well in high pressure situations. Operators who can keep their equipment operating at a high level at all times are in demand. Here are the top skills employers are looking for:
To work as a machine operator you will need a natural affinity for working with machinery. A high school diploma is required by my companies. Employers give preference to those with previous machine operation experience. Training is typically provided by the employer.