Machine Operators Job Overview
Machine operators can be divided into two groups; one consists of people who set up machines for operating purposes and the other is made of people who operate those machines when production is on. Those involved in setting up the machine carry out the initial tests to ensure that the machines are working fine, while the operators chiefly monitor the machines during operation.
Machine Operators Schools and Degrees
A high school diploma or an equivalent is required to become a machine operator. A strong grounding in basic statistics, geometry, algebra, trigonometry and mathematics is very important.
Job Requirements
Training is very important for becoming a machine operator. One generally starts in this field by assisting and observing experienced workers. The training period depends upon the complexity of the machine. A few firms also offer official training programs. This comprises of both classroom training of about 600 hours, as well as practical training of about 4000 hours. It takes about four years for the completion of such programs.
Certification helps to testify the skills of a machine operator and also helps in the advancement of his/her career. A standard was developed for machine operators by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. In order to get the credential, one has to pass a written and practical test. Certification also depends upon the level of skill involved.
A machine operator needs manual dexterity, as well as an aptitude for mechanics. Experience in the field is definitely an added advantage. As machine operators need to work in teams, it is important for them to be good team players. They also need to have good interpersonal skills.
Nature of Work
The job responsibilities of machine operators depend upon the size of the organization and the type of machine being operated. Some machine operators can operate many different kinds of machines, although workers are generally trained to operate two varieties of machine. Operators generally carry on repetitive functions that can be learned and executed easily. They monitor the machines in their charge and make control adjustments when required.
Most machine operators have to stand for long hours while operating machines and sometimes have to lift heavy objects. They need physical strength to be able to do such work. They need to strictly follow rules of safety and wear protection such as ear plugs since they are exposed to high speed and powerful machines while working. Machine workers usually work for forty hours in a week.
Machine Operators Jobs and Outlook
According to a 2006 study, about 1,141,000 people were employed as machine operators and setters. In the next ten years this figure would be reduced due to increasing use of labor-saving machinery.
The earnings of machine operators depend on their skill and experience level, as well as the organization for which they work. The median hourly earnings stand around $15.00.
Job Numbers and Growth Machine operators in the US number about 397,000. Workers generally expect a low unemployment rate. There were about 4% of employees without jobs in 2008. Area Job Conditions Where are jobs most numerous? Rockford (Illinois), Fond du Lac (Wisconsin), and Odessa (Texas). Least common? Cape Coral (Florida), Las Vegas (Nevada), and Atlantic City (New Jersey). Salaries vary across the country, from highest in Boulder (Colorado), Bremerton (Washington), and Lewiston (Idaho) to lowest in Burlington (North Carolina), Tuscaloosa (Alabama), and Macon (Georgia). Training and Education Obtaining long-term on-the-job training will help job seekers. Machine operators with four or more years of college are 3% of the total. An estimated 37% of workers attended college at some level but did not pursue a 4-year degree. High school was enough education for 60% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career. Part-Time Work and Self-Employment Whether by choice or necessity, 2% of machine operators work part-time. About 2% of workers do not work for a company or organization.
Machine Operators by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings) In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation. Alabama | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Anniston | $38,000 | 530 | +347% | | Auburn | $35,000 | 120 | +7% | | Birmingham | $40,000 | 1,810 | +21% | | Decatur | $28,000 | 380 | +176% | | Dothan | $34,000 | 100 | -35% | | Florence | $41,000 | 190 | +48% | | Gadsden | $35,000 | 90 | +10% | | Huntsville | $38,000 | 970 | +67% | | Mobile | $39,000 | 570 | +12% | | Montgomery | $32,000 | 580 | +22% | | Tuscaloosa | $28,000 | 210 | -12% |
Arizona | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Kingman | | 140 | +8% | | Phoenix | $35,000 | 4,090 | -24% | | Prescott | $32,000 | 180 | +13% | | Tucson | $40,000 | 710 | -33% | | Yuma | $37,000 | 40 | -74% |
Arkansas | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Fayetteville | $33,000 | 530 | -4% | | Fort Smith | $32,000 | 250 | -22% | | Hot Springs | $32,000 | 40 | -56% | | Jonesboro | $36,000 | 80 | -35% | | Little Rock | $35,000 | 660 | -32% |
California | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bakersfield | $32,000 | 480 | -36% | | Chico | $32,000 | 60 | -67% | | Fresno | $36,000 | 420 | -56% | | Madera | $37,000 | 40 | -55% | | Modesto | $42,000 | 220 | -52% | | Oakland | $45,000 | 2,330 | -22% | | Oxnard | $35,000 | 1,120 | +33% | | Redding | $38,000 | 80 | -54% | | Riverside | $35,000 | 3,320 | -10% | | Sacramento | $41,000 | 990 | -62% | | Salinas | $40,000 | 90 | -79% | | San Diego | $40,000 | 3,340 | -14% | | San Francisco | $49,000 | 670 | -77% | | San Jose | $43,000 | 2,550 | -5% | | San Luis Obispo | $41,000 | 190 | -29% | | Santa Ana | $36,000 | 6,060 | +37% | | Santa Barbara | $48,000 | 310 | -33% | | Santa Cruz | $39,000 | 50 | -78% | | Santa Rosa | $41,000 | 210 | -59% | | Stockton | $40,000 | 300 | -50% | | Vallejo | $44,000 | 180 | -46% | | Visalia | $33,000 | 70 | -81% |
Colorado | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Boulder | $56,000 | 260 | -41% | | Colorado Springs | $38,000 | 520 | -27% | | Denver | $37,000 | 2,200 | -39% | | Fort Collins | $38,000 | 280 | -15% | | Grand Junction | $37,000 | 140 | -3% | | Greeley | $39,000 | 250 | +28% | | Pueblo | $33,000 | 250 | +84% |
Connecticut | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bridgeport | $40,000 | 1,560 | +24% | | Danbury | $42,000 | 300 | +62% | | Hartford | $42,000 | 4,450 | +166% | | New Haven | $32,000 | 1,550 | +96% | | Norwich | $41,000 | 320 | -5% | | Waterbury | $33,000 | 590 | +233% |
Delaware | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Dover | $31,000 | 60 | -57% | | Wilmington | $50,000 | 510 | -46% |
District of Columbia | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Washington | $47,000 | 980 | -85% |
Florida | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Cape Coral | $32,000 | 80 | -86% | | Deltona | $33,000 | 290 | -32% | | Fort Lauderdale | $37,000 | 690 | -67% | | Fort Walton Beach | $33,000 | 160 | -19% | | Gainesville | $36,000 | 60 | -81% | | Jacksonville | $39,000 | 1,190 | -32% | | Lakeland | $37,000 | 260 | -52% | | Miami | $32,000 | 940 | -67% | | Ocala | $33,000 | 110 | -56% | | Orlando | $35,000 | 810 | -73% | | Panama City | $33,000 | 90 | -50% | | Pensacola | $31,000 | 60 | -85% | | Port St Lucie | $34,000 | 160 | -54% | | Sarasota | $32,000 | 450 | -39% | | Tampa | $32,000 | 1,850 | -48% | | West Palm Beach | $33,000 | 750 | -51% |
Georgia | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Albany | $32,000 | 180 | +15% | | Athens | $34,000 | 200 | +2% | | Atlanta | $34,000 | 3,380 | -51% | | Augusta | $39,000 | 200 | -65% | | Columbus | $36,000 | 90 | -69% | | Dalton | $34,000 | 220 | +9% | | Gainesville | $29,000 | 200 | +10% | | Macon | $23,000 | 280 | +5% | | Rome | $25,000 | 170 | +92% | | Savannah | $42,000 | 300 | -27% | | Valdosta | $30,000 | 40 | -72% | | Warner Robins | $43,000 | 140 | +12% |
Hawaii | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Honolulu | $49,000 | 360 | -71% |
Idaho | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Boise | $32,000 | 440 | -42% | | Coeur Dalene | $30,000 | 90 | -35% | | Lewiston | $51,000 | 80 | +51% |
Illinois | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bloomington | $29,000 | 70 | -62% | | Champaign | $35,000 | 100 | -60% | | Chicago | $37,000 | 19,120 | +72% | | Decatur | $40,000 | 130 | +11% | | Kankakee | $41,000 | 190 | +107% | | Rockford | $39,000 | 4,810 | +1050% | | Springfield | $28,000 | 170 | -39% |
Indiana | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Anderson | $31,000 | 70 | -28% | | Bloomington | $33,000 | 100 | -44% | | Columbus | $32,000 | 340 | +224% | | Elkhart | $33,000 | 390 | +11% | | Evansville | $32,000 | 640 | +33% | | Fort Wayne | $35,000 | 1,470 | +147% | | Gary | $42,000 | 1,010 | +28% | | Indianapolis | $40,000 | 3,180 | +23% | | Lafayette | $39,000 | 70 | -65% | | Michigan City | $41,000 | 490 | +361% | | Muncie | $37,000 | 170 | +50% | | South Bend | $39,000 | 880 | +137% | | Terre Haute | $37,000 | 440 | +143% |
Iowa | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Ames | $35,000 | 130 | +40% | | Cedar Rapids | $37,000 | 410 | +11% | | Davenport | $39,000 | 1,210 | +137% | | Des Moines | $38,000 | 660 | -29% | | Dubuque | $34,000 | 270 | +109% | | Iowa City | $33,000 | 70 | -63% | | Sioux City | $36,000 | 100 | -46% | | Waterloo | $34,000 | 820 | +262% |
Kansas | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Topeka | $33,000 | 90 | -70% | | Wichita | $34,000 | 1,460 | +68% |
Kentucky | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bowling Green | $30,000 | 360 | +146% | | Elizabethtown | $32,000 | 60 | -44% | | Lexington | $33,000 | 580 | -15% | | Louisville | $39,000 | 1,690 | -5% | | Owensboro | $29,000 | 240 | +99% |
Louisiana | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Baton Rouge | $42,000 | 980 | -7% | | Houma | $38,000 | 800 | +216% | | Lafayette | $36,000 | 1,200 | +202% | | Lake Charles | $46,000 | 330 | +44% | | Monroe | $38,000 | 360 | +75% | | New Orleans | $43,000 | 1,430 | -2% | | Shreveport | $35,000 | 420 | -14% |
Maine | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bangor | $42,000 | 60 | -64% | | Lewiston | $34,000 | 230 | +86% | | Portland | $37,000 | 490 | -13% |
Maryland | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Baltimore | $44,000 | 2,710 | -28% | | Bethesda | $39,000 | 280 | -83% | | Cumberland | $43,000 | 160 | +86% | | Hagerstown | $43,000 | 140 | -47% | | Salisbury | $29,000 | 60 | -55% |
Massachusetts | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Barnstable Town | $41,000 | 90 | -67% | | Boston | $43,000 | 3,010 | -40% | | Brockton | $41,000 | 350 | +48% | | Framingham | $40,000 | 480 | +7% | | Haverhill | $41,000 | 420 | +108% | | Lawrence | $40,000 | 110 | -25% | | Leominster | $43,000 | 220 | +75% | | Lowell | $45,000 | 350 | +6% | | New Bedford | $39,000 | 260 | +56% | | Springfield | $42,000 | 2,070 | +143% | | Taunton | $32,000 | 140 | +21% | | Worcester | $40,000 | 1,180 | +69% |
Michigan | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Battle Creek | $36,000 | 200 | +64% | | Bay City | $37,000 | 240 | +185% | | Detroit | $46,000 | 2,540 | +24% | | Grand Rapids | $35,000 | 1,790 | +65% | | Holland | $38,000 | 710 | +161% | | Jackson | $35,000 | 760 | +479% | | Kalamazoo | $41,000 | 880 | +137% | | Lansing | $39,000 | 590 | +10% | | Monroe | $46,000 | 150 | +55% | | Muskegon | $34,000 | 320 | +107% | | Niles | $38,000 | 360 | +126% | | Warren | $41,000 | 7,940 | +137% |
Minnesota | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Duluth | $39,000 | 260 | -25% | | Minneapolis | $42,000 | 6,620 | +27% | | Rochester | $36,000 | 380 | +54% | | St Cloud | $41,000 | 260 | -5% |
Mississippi | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Gulfport | $37,000 | 70 | -76% | | Hattiesburg | $31,000 | 40 | -72% | | Pascagoula | $32,000 | 350 | +198% |
Missouri | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Columbia | $31,000 | 750 | +248% | | Jefferson City | $38,000 | 100 | -44% | | Kansas City | $37,000 | 2,050 | -31% | | Springfield | $31,000 | 990 | +82% | | St Joseph | $32,000 | 70 | -44% | | St Louis | $42,000 | 4,790 | +22% |
Montana | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Billings | $39,000 | 190 | -11% | | Missoula | $39,000 | 30 | -77% |
Nebraska | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Lincoln | $32,000 | 360 | -20% | | Omaha | $33,000 | 570 | -57% |
Nevada | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Carson City | $37,000 | 170 | +166% | | Las Vegas | $37,000 | 260 | -90% | | Reno | $40,000 | 240 | -59% |
New Hampshire | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Manchester | $44,000 | 350 | +24% | | Nashua | $40,000 | 580 | +53% | | Portsmouth | $42,000 | 250 | +74% | | Rochester | $42,000 | 170 | +17% |
New Jersey | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Atlantic City | $38,000 | 30 | -93% | | Camden | $46,000 | 1,320 | -14% | | Edison | $46,000 | 1,300 | -57% | | Newark | $42,000 | 2,180 | -25% | | Trenton | $42,000 | 150 | -75% | | Vineland | $42,000 | 110 | -25% |
New Mexico | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Albuquerque | $37,000 | 820 | -27% | | Farmington | $49,000 | 150 | +13% | | Las Cruces | $40,000 | 60 | -62% |
New York | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Albany | $48,000 | 710 | -43% | | Binghamton | $29,000 | 230 | -20% | | Buffalo | $40,000 | 1,940 | +25% | | Elmira | $41,000 | 410 | +380% | | Glens Falls | $40,000 | 200 | +50% | | Kingston | $37,000 | 70 | -54% | | Nassau | $39,000 | 2,370 | -35% | | New York | $40,000 | 3,520 | -76% | | Poughkeepsie | $44,000 | 210 | -69% | | Rochester | $37,000 | 2,210 | +54% | | Syracuse | $34,000 | 950 | +8% | | Utica | $31,000 | 480 | +38% |
North Carolina | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Asheville | $34,000 | 1,300 | +162% | | Burlington | $26,000 | 280 | +86% | | Charlotte | $34,000 | 2,280 | -11% | | Durham | $40,000 | 450 | -42% | | Fayetteville | $30,000 | 140 | -58% | | Goldsboro | $27,000 | 160 | +74% | | Greensboro | $35,000 | 1,180 | +11% | | Greenville | $32,000 | 140 | -25% | | Hickory | $32,000 | 540 | +20% | | Jacksonville | $32,000 | 30 | -70% | | Raleigh | $34,000 | 900 | -39% | | Rocky Mount | $42,000 | 430 | +189% | | Wilmington | $34,000 | 260 | -34% | | Winston Salem | $37,000 | 1,070 | +77% |
Ohio | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Akron | $36,000 | 2,870 | +199% | | Canton | $33,000 | 1,430 | +197% | | Cincinnati | $36,000 | 5,470 | +81% | | Cleveland | $36,000 | 8,350 | +171% | | Columbus | $35,000 | 1,680 | -38% | | Dayton | $36,000 | 3,480 | +211% | | Lima | $43,000 | 150 | +14% | | Mansfield | $31,000 | 230 | +75% | | Sandusky | | 370 | +334% | | Springfield | $30,000 | 310 | +163% | | Toledo | $43,000 | 1,400 | +58% | | Youngstown | $40,000 | 1,130 | +72% |
Oklahoma | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Oklahoma City | $36,000 | 1,760 | +8% | | Tulsa | $35,000 | 3,370 | +169% |
Oregon | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bend | $37,000 | 90 | -49% | | Eugene | $37,000 | 420 | +2% | | Medford | $36,000 | 80 | -64% | | Portland | $42,000 | 2,940 | -2% | | Salem | $36,000 | 140 | -66% |
Pennsylvania | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Allentown | $40,000 | 1,060 | +10% | | Altoona | $35,000 | 170 | +12% | | Erie | $32,000 | 660 | +93% | | Harrisburg | $39,000 | 680 | -24% | | Johnstown | $29,000 | 300 | +109% | | Lancaster | $35,000 | 780 | +18% | | Lebanon | $40,000 | 220 | +91% | | Philadelphia | $41,000 | 3,640 | -34% | | Pittsburgh | $36,000 | 4,920 | +49% | | Reading | $37,000 | 530 | +16% | | Scranton | $34,000 | 640 | -12% | | State College | $35,000 | 140 | -2% | | Williamsport | $38,000 | 440 | +245% | | York | $42,000 | 1,280 | +156% |
Rhode Island | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Providence | $40,000 | 1,660 | +2% |
South Carolina | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Anderson | $32,000 | 440 | +186% | | Charleston | $35,000 | 760 | -8% | | Columbia | $35,000 | 660 | -34% | | Florence | $33,000 | 630 | +185% | | Greenville | $33,000 | 1,970 | +128% | | Myrtle Beach | $38,000 | 120 | -63% | | Spartanburg | $34,000 | 740 | +122% | | Sumter | $33,000 | 60 | -29% |
South Dakota | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Rapid City | $35,000 | 60 | -63% | | Sioux Falls | $32,000 | 150 | -60% |
Tennessee | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Chattanooga | $38,000 | 770 | +18% | | Clarksville | $37,000 | 280 | +42% | | Cleveland | $39,000 | 130 | +52% | | Jackson | $34,000 | 380 | +160% | | Johnson City | $33,000 | 500 | +157% | | Kingsport | $36,000 | 240 | -22% | | Knoxville | $35,000 | 700 | -27% | | Memphis | $39,000 | 1,200 | -33% | | Morristown | $30,000 | 260 | +123% | | Nashville | $37,000 | 1,810 | -18% |
Texas | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Abilene | $31,000 | 100 | -37% | | Amarillo | $43,000 | 200 | -25% | | Austin | $36,000 | 870 | -61% | | Beaumont | $41,000 | 730 | +68% | | Brownsville | $25,000 | 260 | -22% | | College Station | $30,000 | 130 | -36% | | Corpus Christi | $40,000 | 580 | +19% | | Dallas | $33,000 | 4,180 | -32% | | El Paso | $28,000 | 700 | -6% | | Fort Worth | $34,000 | 3,110 | +24% | | Houston | $36,000 | 14,670 | +95% | | Killeen | $37,000 | 210 | -35% | | Longview | $36,000 | 890 | +258% | | Lubbock | $31,000 | 160 | -51% | | Mcallen | $27,000 | 230 | -63% | | Midland | $34,000 | 340 | +100% | | Odessa | $34,000 | 930 | +550% | | San Angelo | $36,000 | 70 | -30% | | San Antonio | $28,000 | 1,230 | -50% | | Sherman | $35,000 | 280 | +191% | | Texarkana | $39,000 | 60 | -56% | | Tyler | $30,000 | 300 | +25% | | Victoria | $33,000 | 130 | +12% | | Waco | $33,000 | 390 | +52% | | Wichita Falls | $34,000 | 250 | +70% |
Utah | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Logan | $35,000 | 250 | +119% | | Ogden | $39,000 | 1,850 | +232% | | Provo | $39,000 | 300 | -34% | | Salt Lake City | $37,000 | 1,720 | -5% |
Vermont | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Burlington | $34,000 | 120 | -59% |
Virginia | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Blacksburg | $36,000 | 490 | +214% | | Charlottesville | $39,000 | 110 | -56% | | Danville | $38,000 | 70 | -16% | | Harrisonburg | $36,000 | 50 | -63% | | Lynchburg | $33,000 | 580 | +116% | | Richmond | $39,000 | 1,230 | -29% | | Roanoke | $33,000 | 370 | -15% | | Virginia Beach | $40,000 | 2,090 | -4% | | Winchester | $33,000 | 60 | -55% |
Washington | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Bellingham | $43,000 | 80 | -62% | | Bremerton | $54,000 | 220 | +1% | | Kennewick | $40,000 | 160 | -32% | | Longview | $45,000 | 100 | +27% | | Mount Vernon | $44,000 | 40 | -64% | | Olympia | $37,000 | 60 | -76% | | Seattle | $49,000 | 3,240 | -22% | | Spokane | $37,000 | 370 | -37% | | Tacoma | $46,000 | 480 | -37% | | Yakima | $40,000 | 200 | -5% |
West Virginia | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Charleston | $40,000 | 460 | +16% | | Huntington | $34,000 | 390 | +28% | | Morgantown | $32,000 | 220 | +91% | | Parkersburg | $34,000 | 120 | -33% | | Weirton | $35,000 | 150 | +45% | | Wheeling | $34,000 | 180 | +11% |
Wisconsin | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Appleton | $39,000 | 920 | +199% | | Eau Claire | $40,000 | 190 | -5% | | Fond | $39,000 | 810 | +647% | | Green Bay | $37,000 | 600 | +30% | | Janesville | $43,000 | 190 | +13% | | Madison | $49,000 | 820 | -14% | | Milwaukee | $40,000 | 7,070 | +188% | | Oshkosh | $36,000 | 500 | +125% | | Racine | $33,000 | 580 | +188% | | Sheboygan | $39,000 | 390 | +169% | | Wausau | $38,000 | 480 | +177% |
Wyoming | City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|
| Casper | $39,000 | 140 | +51% |
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