What does a machine operator do? Machine Operators set up, run, and monitor manufacturing equipment to produce parts and products. They ensure machines run efficiently and products meet quality standards.. Find machine operator jobs near you with average pay $16-$26/hr, required skills, and career path.
A machine operator is responsible for Machine Operators set up, run, and monitor manufacturing equipment to produce parts and products. Machine Operators set up, run, and monitor manufacturing equipment to produce parts and products. They ensure machines run efficiently and products meet quality standards.
As a machine operator, you can expect to earn between $16 and $26 per hour depending on experience and location. According to BLS OEWS, May 2024, this role typically requires prior experience. It is generally a medium job with low scheduling.
Market rates for a machine operator range from $16 to $26/hr. A typical machine operator is responsible for Machine Operators set up, run, and monitor manufacturing equipment to produce parts and products. Calculate your exact take-home pay or find current machine operator openings on Indeed Flex.
To succeed as a Machine Operator, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
Here is a typical career progression for a Machine Operator:
Want to see more paths? Check out our Career Path Explorer tool.
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Best For: People who want to graduate from pure labor to equipment responsibility, with patience for procedures and troubleshooting.
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Clock in, attend shift handover - review machine status, quality issues, production goals
Pre-operation checklist - safety guards, lockout/tagout, lubrication, calibration
Start production run - monitor first parts for quality, adjust as needed
Break - 15 minutes (let machine continue if safe to leave unattended)
Continue run - perform in-process quality checks, document production data
Lunch break - 30 minutes
Afternoon production - changeover to next part if needed, troubleshoot minor jams
End of shift - clean machine area, complete production log, brief incoming shift
Company uniform or sturdy work clothes, safety glasses, ear protection, steel-toe boots, no loose clothing or jewelry near moving parts. Hard hat in some facilities.
See how Machine Operator pay compares across roles and locations
Different roles offer varying pay based on skill requirements and demand.
Pay rates vary by location based on cost of living and local demand.
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The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.
About this data
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.
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