Machine

Operator

Career Overview

What They Do

A production operator, also known as a machine operator, uses equipment to assist with manufacturing, packaging, and other steps along a production line. While the exact duties may vary from company to company, a production operator may be expected to handle heavy machinery such as forklift.

Job Duties

Source: Indeed.com

Monitors and maintains warehouse equipment and machinery
Sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines
Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position, and secure machinery
Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications and in a timely fashion
Oversee training of new or Junior Machine Operators
Use machine equipment to complete tasks
Performs routine inspections of manufacturing equipment
Evaluates the efficiency of each unit regularly, identifying improvements as needed

Job Earnings

Source: CareerZone.NY.gov

$45,580 per year average salary for entry level workers
$80,820 per year average salary for experienced workers

Education/Training Requirements

Source: Study.com

Employers typically require machine operators to have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED). Most machine operator positions are entry-level and on-the-job training is common. In addition to requiring employees to attend safety courses, companies may require machine operators to be licensed and certified to operate special machines.

Job Outlook & Growth

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Overall employment of machine operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Many job opportunities are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year.

Career Pathway

Ways to Start Preparing for Your Future Career TODAY!

Middle & High School Opportunities

Classes to Take:
- Computers
- Mathematics
- Technology (Blueprint Reading, Woodworking, CAD, Drafting)
Clubs/Extracurricular Activities:
- Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program
- SkillsUSA
- GCC Tech Wars
- Camp Hard Hat (Summer Camp, Grades 8-10)
BOCES/Career & Technical Education Programs
- Genesee Valley BOCES
  - Metal Trades Program (Batavia & Mount Morris Campuses)
- Monroe2-Orleans BOCES
  - Engineering & Metal Fabrication: Machining
- Orleans-Niagara BOCES
  - Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
Volunteer Opportunities
- Habitat for Humanity

Local Colleges/Training

Colleges
- SUNY Alfred (Alfred)
- Erie Community College (Buffalo)
- Finger Lakes Community College (Canandaigua)
- Monroe Community College (Rochester)
Training Programs
- Genesee Valley BOCES Adult Education
  - CNC Machining/Programming
- Monroe2-Orleans BOCES Center for Workforce Development
  - Machining with CNC Fundamentals
- Orleans-Niagara BOCES Adult & Workforce Education
  - Machine Tool

Local Career Connection

Shawn McCarns, Machinist

Koike Aronson, Inc.

Arcade, NY

Deeper Dive

Training for a Machining Career

in High School

WXXI - #AMGradROC

Koike Aronson, Inc.

Wyoming County NY Industrial Development Agency

Where Can I Work?

Local GLOW Companies With

Machine Operator Jobs

This is a selection of businesses in the region offering this career. That does not mean that there are currently positions available. For information on companies who are hiring right now, please visit https://newyork.usnlx.com/

If you would like to see your business listed here in the future, please email us at GLOWWithYourHands@Gmail.com.