A machine operator can be found working in a variety of settings, including construction, farming and industrial. Machine operators are responsible for operating and maintaining large pieces of machinery in these settings. They may also help to train others on the use and maintenance of said machines.
Working as a machine operator will mean working anywhere that there’s a need for large machines to be operated and maintained. You will probably find yourself working in construction, on farms or in industrial settings. You will work in shifts, and can expect to potentially work evenings and weekends, depending on projects or the hours of operation of the business you work for.
After you have more experience working as a machine operator you may choose to move into a leadership role within the company you work for, such as a supervisor. You can also find work as someone who solely trains or teaches others on the operation and maintenance of the machine.
Your compensation is directly correlated to your years of experience as a machine operator. You can expect to make more than $35,000 annually, or about $700 per week. See the salary scale below for more information:
annual: $35,880
monthly: $2,760
weekly: $690
hourly: $17.25
lowest salary: $15 per hour
average salary: $17.25 per hour
highest salary: $20 per hour
junior salary: $15-$17 per hour
intermediate salary: $16-$17.70 per hour
senior salary: $17-$20 per hour
Working as a machine operator is a lot more than simply moving the machine. Some of the tasks and responsibilities you can expect when working as a machine operator include:
Machine operators can work pretty much anywhere that there is a need for large machines to be operated. Most commonly they will work in industrial settings or construction. The industry you will find work in will largely depend on the type of machinery you are trained to operate.
Machine operators need to be focused, pay attention to detail and have a good understanding of how their role fits within overall operations. Here are some of the top skills you need for this position:
To work as a machine operator, most employers are looking for people who have some industry experience and a high school diploma. Other relevant training and experience is an asset. On the job training may be provided for inexperienced candidates.