Machine Operator vs Machinist
Pay, skills and open jobs side by side, from current job postings across the US.
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Pay
Machine Operator
$46,000 typical, a year
Most Machine Operators earn $41,600 to $52,000 a year.
From 2,868 postings that list pay
15,003 open jobs now
Machinist
$61,400 typical, a year
Most Machinists earn $54,100 to $68,600 a year.
From 1,007 postings that list pay
3,994 open jobs now
Machinists typically earn about $15,300 more a year than Machine Operators.
What each one does
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
Machinist
- Set up and operate CNC machines to produce precision components.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
- Inspect machined parts using precision measuring instruments and gauges.
- Load and unload materials, parts, and workpieces into machines.
- Perform basic machine maintenance and routine cleaning of equipment.
- Troubleshoot machine issues and make adjustments to maintain quality standards.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Skills employers ask for
Machine Operator
Asked for in both
- High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
- Calipers 1 in 10 postings
- Blueprint Reading 1 in 10 postings
More common in Machine Operator postings
- Production Operations 1 in 10 postings
- Manufacturing 1 in 10 postings
- PPE Usage 1 in 10 postings
- Production Equipment 1 in 10 postings
- Forklift Operation 1 in 10 postings
- Quality Control 1 in 10 postings
- Quality Standards 1 in 15 postings
Machinist
Asked for in both
- High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
- Calipers 3 in 10 postings
- Blueprint Reading 4 in 10 postings
More common in Machinist postings
- CNC Machining 6 in 10 postings
- Precision Measuring 3 in 10 postings
- Tooling 2 in 10 postings
- Machining 2 in 10 postings
- Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing 2 in 10 postings
- CNC Programming 2 in 10 postings
- G-code 2 in 10 postings
Out of each role's current postings.
Open jobs
Machine Operator
Laser Operator - 2nd Shift
Bonnell Industries Inc$28/hr Employer statedDixon, ILCustomer ServiceCNC LaserLaser Systems OperationCNC MachiningBlueprint Reading +1Machine Operator Technician II, Fabrication, Weekend
EatoncumminsPay not stated Greenwood, South Carolina, USA, 29649CalipersRoot Cause AnalysisSheet MetalPPE UsageMultimeter +1- $19.5/hr Employer statedDay shift Roanoke, Texas, United States of AmericaPaintingManufacturing
Machinist
Machinist – Finishing Technician
Richardson ElectronicsPay not statedPreventive MaintenanceGrindingDeburringSheet MetalISO 9000 +2- Pay not stated Chatsworth, CA, 91311 OnsiteCalipersLean ManufacturingProcess ImprovementDeburringCNC Machining +1
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