Assembler vs Machine Operator

Pay, skills and open jobs side by side, from current job postings across the US.

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Pay

Assembler

$44,700 typical, a year

Most Assemblers earn $39,500 to $50,000 a year.

From 1,559 postings that list pay

6,904 open jobs now

Assembler salaries Assembler jobs

Machine Operator

$46,200 typical, a year

Most Machine Operators earn $41,600 to $52,000 a year.

From 2,982 postings that list pay

15,720 open jobs now

Machine Operator salaries Machine Operator jobs

Machine Operators typically earn about $1,500 more a year than Assemblers.

What each one does

Assembler

  • Assemble products and components according to specifications.
  • Use hand tools and power tools to complete assembly tasks.
  • Perform quality inspections to ensure products meet standards.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Follow safety guidelines and company procedures.
  • Complete documentation for production and quality records.

Summed up from 30 job postings

Machine Operator

  • Operate and monitor production equipment to ensure it runs properly.
  • Perform quality checks on products and record the results.
  • Follow safety rules and keep the work area clean.
  • Set up machines and change settings for different jobs.
  • Load and unload materials during the production process.
  • Report problems with equipment or products to supervisors.

Summed up from 30 job postings

Skills employers ask for

Assembler

Asked for in both

  • High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
  • Blueprint Reading 1 in 10 postings
  • Manufacturing 1 in 10 postings
  • Quality Standards 1 in 10 postings
  • Calipers 1 in 15 postings
  • PPE Usage 1 in 20 postings

More common in Assembler postings

  • Mechanical Assembly 2 in 10 postings
  • Solder 1 in 10 postings
  • Electrical Assembly 1 in 15 postings
  • Electrical Wiring 1 in 15 postings

Machine Operator

Asked for in both

  • High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
  • Blueprint Reading 1 in 10 postings
  • Manufacturing 1 in 10 postings
  • Quality Standards 1 in 15 postings
  • Calipers 1 in 10 postings
  • PPE Usage 1 in 10 postings

More common in Machine Operator postings

  • Production Operations 1 in 10 postings
  • Production Equipment 1 in 10 postings
  • Forklift Operation 1 in 10 postings
  • Quality Control 1 in 10 postings

Out of each role's current postings.

Open jobs

Assembler

Machine Operator

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