Manufacturing professionals are in high demand as our economy and the technology available to us continues to grow. Machine operators are just one of many roles that young professionals are considering as long-term careers, and these positions have the potential for fast growth and high salaries. But what's involved in being a machine operator, and what can you expect from this opportunity?

Job Description

Machine operators are also known as machinists or tool and die makers. These manufacturing specialists work with a variety of heavy machinery, from setting up or calibrating them to performing high-level tests and diagnostics on each piece of equipment. They oversee the maintenance of each machine and ensure that it's in optimum condition to perform its tasks. Machine operators also maintain activity logs and monitor preventive maintenance and safety procedures.

This position requires the ability to interpret blueprints and diagrams, and to operate and control heavy machinery. A high school diploma is usually required, as well as an apprenticeship or training. Experience is ultimately the most important factor when it comes to finding a job as a machine operator.

The median salary for machine operators is $30,589, although salaries may range from $23,352 to $40,786.

Professional Outlook

The manufacturing industry is experiencing a significant gap in the number of talented workers compared to open positions. While this gap may be worrisome for the companies themselves, it does mean that professionals looking to break into the industry have a variety of open positions from which to choose. It's a booming industry, and manufacturing doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. As a result, machine operators enjoy a very bright professional outlook with a limited likelihood of job shortages in the future.

If you're interested in this employment opportunity, there are a few things you need to mark yourself as a competitive candidate. Most machine operators attend vocational schools or technical colleges to gain skills, while others enroll in community college or take on apprenticeships. If you're able to gain education and hands-on training, your chances of securing one of these positions increases dramatically.

To excel as a machine operator, you should ideally be mechanically minded with mathematical and problem-solving abilities. However, these technical capabilities can be learned with persistence, so if you're not a natural, you can start by brushing up on your math, spatial, and computer skills.

The future for machine operators is bright, and with hands-on experience and the proper training, your opportunities will continue to grow. As the manufacturing industry progresses, you'll have the chance to take on new and exciting challenges, and further develop your skills as a manufacturing professional.

For information on open machine operator positions or other positions, contact the professionals at Bear Staffing today!