Machine Operator: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
Machine operators work at a fast pace on projects that require precision. Jobs in manufacturing involve exposure to chemicals, loud noises and equipment that is both automated and manual. Operators are expected to follow employee safety standards by adhering to both environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) regulations.
Career Outlook Description for Machine Operators
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects an increase in retirements in the manufacturing community; therefore, there is an anticipated growth in the availability of machine operator jobs (www.bls.gov). However, this is tempered by the expected 13% decline in employment in the manufacturing industry from 2008-2018. Rapid decline in manufacturing jobs is expected due to foreign competition and the increasing automation and efficiency of production lines. As of May 2009, the median hourly wages for machine operators ranged from $13.40-$19.82.
Job Duties
Some machine operators are responsible for one function, while others are responsible for a variety of steps, utilizing different equipment for each. Because of the potential for danger from working close to large machines, safety and cleanliness in the workplace are extremely important.
Due to production line requirements, machine operators work in an environment where teamwork is important. They look over and measure parts with precision tools in order to make sure certain parts meet pre-determined quality and cosmetic standards. When parts have passed inspection, the parts go on to the next phase of production.
Machine operators are expected to meet production quotas. The level of documentation required varies, depending on the degree of precision needed for the finished product. Machine operators also need to keep track of the number of units that are scrapped due to various errors.
Education and Performance Requirements
Machine operators are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Two years of experience working in a similar shop is a common requirement. Machine operators need to be able to lift 50 pounds and work on their feet, while using tools to perform repetitive actions, for a 10-hour shift. Due to the time-sensitive nature of manufacturing, some workplaces have overtime requirements. In order to abide by certain OSHA and local environmental agency regulations, mandatory safety training, protective gear and chemical handling procedures are required.
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1 Popular School
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
- Oregon (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Industrial Automation Engineering Technology
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Nashville State Technical Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Precision Metal Working
- Machinist
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machinist
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machinist
- Sheetworking
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machine Shop Technologies
- Machinist
- Tool and Die Technologies
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Tool and Die Technologies
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Utah (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Utah State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Precision Metal Working
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
-
School locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machine Shop Technologies
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Montana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Montana include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Alaska (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Alaska include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
