How to Become a Machine Operator?
Are you thinking of becoming a Machine Operator or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Machine Operator, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Machine Operator job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Machine Operator
If you're considering starting your Machine Operator career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Machine Operator and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Machine Operator career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Machine Operator career path, a GED / High School Degree in information technology or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Machine Operator internship may be required to earn your GED / High School Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Machine Operator?
46% of people working as a Machine Operator earned a GED / High School Degree
What skills do you need to be a Machine Operator?
- CNC
- Machine Operating
- English Language
- Attention To Detail
- Critical Thinking
- Excellent Communication
- Work Instructions
- Dexterity
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Machine Operator, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Machine Operator field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Machine Operator specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Machine Operator
Once you've acquired a GED / High School Degree in information technology or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Machine Operator. In general, you can become a Machine Operator after completing your 12 year GED / High School Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Machine Operator role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified b corporation.4
Advance in Your Machine Operator Career
Following entry-level, there are several Machine Operator career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Machine Operator to progress to the senior machine operator position. Each advanced Machine Operator position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Machine Operator career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Machine Operator career path.5
Continued Education for Your Machine Operator Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Machine Operator career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in information technology can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $49,173 compared to $25,929 for those without that type of degree.Machine Operator Career Path
Machine Operator
8+Years of Experience
$37K - $51K /yrMost Likely Range
Senior Machine Operator
2 - 4Years of Experience
$38K - $53K /yrMost Likely Range
Machine Operator IV
5 - 7Years of Experience
$38K - $53K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Machine Operator Career Path
Machine Operator I
Machine Operator
Senior Machine Operator
Machine Operator IV
Machine Operator V
$30K
$38K
$46K
$54K
$70K
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Related Careers in the Skilled Labor & Manufacturing Industry
Interested in other Skilled Labor & Manufacturing careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Machine Operator skills. Discover some of the most common Machine Operator career transitions, along with skills overlap.