what is a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you work with machines and equipment. Your work is often in a manufacturing or production plant that mass-produces consumer goods or electronic parts. Some machines you will likely operate include lathes, boring machines, drill presses and precision grinders. You can specialize in running one of these or multiple types of equipment.
Your job as a machine operator involves repetitive motions. It includes the frequent use of foot pedals, levers and switches. Sometimes, you also feed raw materials into the equipment. These roles require good physical strength and manual dexterity to lift heavy goods and ensure the proper operation of machines. You also fine-tune and adjust machine calibrations to improve efficiency and accuracy.
As a machine operator, you are a highly skilled professional who operates heavy machinery. You work in different industries and can specialize in the type of machinery to operate. For instance, machine operators work in manufacturing industries to assist in operating machines and heavy equipment used in production. You also work in the farming, construction and transportation industries. For instance, in construction, you aid in completing construction projects using heavy machinery.
Would working as a machine operator suit your hand-eye coordination? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a machine operator role.
machine operator jobsaverage machine operator salary
According to Job Bank, machine operators in Canada earn an average salary of $35,100 per year. In an entry-level position, you receive a salary of $30,846 yearly due to your minimal experience and expertise. As you improve your experience and knowledge in machine operations, you can make up to $43,875 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a machine operator?
As a machine operator, your earnings depend on skills and qualifications. When you are new in the role, your take-home salary is low. As your expertise improves, your earnings also increase. Some locations pay higher salaries due to the high demand for the role. For instance, working in Saskatchewan or Alberta, you are likely to earn more.
types of machine operators
Some specialization areas in machine operations include:
- mobile plant machine operators: as a mobile plant operator, you operate or drive cranes and forklift trucks. You also operate mining and extraction machinery in various industries.
- drilling and boring machine operators: your job is to set up and operate drilling and milling machines. You use the machines to drill holes in various materials, including metal and plastic.
- rolling machine operators: your role is to run rolling mills that shape multiple metals and materials into rods and plates. You also carry out the necessary maintenance on the machines.
- construction machine operators: as a machine operator in the construction industry, you run heavy-duty equipment, such as excavation machines or cement mixers.
working as a machine operator
If you want a career as a machine operator, check out the tasks and responsibilities of the role.
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what does a machine operator do?
While duties vary depending on the industry, the typical responsibilities of a machine operator include the following:
- setting up machines for operation: as a machine operator, you connect the parts of a machine according to the specifications. You are responsible for setting the machine's operational information, like the speed, cut size and shape. Before production commences, you also check the machine's calibrations.
- troubleshooting issues and maintaining machines: a machine operator monitors equipment for proper functioning. You spot problems and fix them before they escalate into major issues. Once in a while, you test the operations of the machines, check for any flaws and rectify them. It's also your job to clean up the machine parts after every production process.
- adhering to safety protocols: as a machine operator, you comply with all procedures and practices related to the safe operation of machines. You take all necessary steps to guard the machines used in the workspace to reduce the risk of injury. Machine operators also wear proper protective gear while on duty.
- training and overseeing employees: as a machine operator, you set up the machines and prepare them for production work. If the company introduces new equipment to the production floor, you train employees to use the machines. You also oversee workers during production to ensure they follow the instructions for using the machines. You constantly refresh employees' knowledge of the company's operating procedures through training.
- proposing improvements to the process: since you understand the machines' functions, you recommend improvement areas. You also recommend ways to incorporate the processes when new production technologies are invented.
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work environment of a machine operator
Primarily, machine operators work in manufacturing companies, warehouses, workshops or production plants. You work indoors in clean, well-lit, ventilated areas and often handle high-speed machines. Staying on schedule and maintaining a consistent production speed is paramount in this working environment. Expect to spend your time standing, sitting or walking.
In some settings, you do some moderately heavy lifting. Machine operators working in construction, mining or drilling companies move from place to place based on the worksite. While at work, you wear protective clothing like heavy gloves, earplugs, goggles and steel-toed boots. If you work in plastic or other fumes-producing companies, you wear respirators.
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who are your colleagues?
As a machine operator, you work in various industries. That means you interact with different professionals, from mechanical engineers to construction project managers and production supervisors. You also work with welders, machinists, drivers and factory managers.
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machine operator work schedule
Some machine operatives work on a standard schedule of 40 hours a week. Since most manufacturing plants operate more than one shift daily, expect to work either day or night shifts. In periods of increased production, you work overtime during weekends and holidays. You also have a chance to work for a single company on a full-term basis or multiple companies part-time or under contract.
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career opportunities as a machine operator
As more companies embrace automation, machine operators should train and become more versatile. The number of job openings will vary from one industry to another. As the profession grows steadily, you have multiple opportunities to develop your career. You can specialize in machine operation roles to become a forklift operator or crane operator. Another option is to boost your skills or experience and advance to a supervisory role, such as a production manager, sales supervisor or inventory manager.
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advantages of finding a job as a machine operator through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
machine operator skills and education
Some of the educational requirements of a machine operator include:
- education: when you complete secondary school, join an apprenticeship program to train as a machine operator. Complete training in machine operations and get a trade certification in tool and die-making or machining. You may also complete a provincial occupational safety program, such as the Ontario Construction Health and Safety Program, which is mandatory for those working in high-risk environments.
- work experience: you require extensive work experience as a machine operator. Gain experience through apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in machining operations.
competencies and characteristics of machine operators
You need the following skills to handle machines in busy manufacturing environments efficiently:
- attention to detail: the work of a machine operator is very delicate, so it is important to pay attention to every process. You often handle precision equipment; being off by even a millimetre can cause critical errors. A single mistake results in time wastage and is very expensive to correc
- excellent problem-solving skills: as a machine operator, your daily tasks involve assessing why the machines don't perform at peak efficiency and fixing errors to increase output. Such a task requires you to think creatively to solve complex issues.
- analytical skills: as a machine operator, you should read and understand blueprints, complex instructions and other specifications. It is also crucial to know the limits and capabilities of various machines and use the equipment on a specific project.
- ability to multitask: as a machine operator, you handle multiple tasks simultaneously without causing errors. While working, you control operations and, at the same time, assess performance. Multitasking skills help you complete various tasks effectively and correctly.
- physical strength: as a machine operator, you need physical fitness to lift multiple weights and handle machines. The job involves physical activity, and fitness reduces fatigue.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a machine operator.
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what are the duties of a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you are responsible for monitoring the machine's operations. You set up heavy equipment on the production floor or construction site and ensure it functions properly. You sometimes handle maintenance tasks, including the cleaning of heavy equipment and performing necessary repairs. You ensure that all workers adhere to the company's safety requirements when handling machinery and equipment.
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how much do machine operators earn in Canada?
As a machine operator in Canada, you earn an average salary of $35,100 per year or an hourly rate of $18. The earnings fluctuate depending on your expertise and qualifications. When your experience increases, you are likely to earn over $43,875 annually. The type of machinery you operate and your area of specialization may influence your earnings.
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is machine operator a skilled job trade?
Yes. You require specialized training to operate various machinery and heavy equipment. Since you handle precision equipment and the processes have a small margin of error, you require a high level of training. Join training courses or take on an apprenticeship to learn the skills required for this job.
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what are the skills of a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you work with a large team of professionals. That means you require good teamwork skills and the ability to lead and train a team of employees. Being resourceful helps you learn new manuals and processes faster. You also require outstanding attention to detail to ensure the precision cutting of equipment. Detail-oriented skills help you identify issues or problems in equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
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what qualifications do you need as a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you require specific training in operating various machinery. For example, in a warehouse environment, you require training in forklift or crane operations. You also need trade certification, depending on the machines you operate.
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how do I find a job as a machine operator?
Finding a job near you as a machine operator is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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