What tasks does a machine operator do?

Some professions are easy to explain: An ophthalmologist is a doctor who takes care of examining your eyes, a hairdresser is someone who cuts and fixes your hair, a cleaner cleans rooms with certain products on a daily basis. But what does a machine operator (or machine operator) do? What kind of machines does this person work with? In what way? Machine operators are an indispensable part of the modern manufacturing industry. But what tasks and activities are involved in their day-to-day work? In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about the job of a machine operator. This includes the daily tasks and more specialized activities depending on the industry, as well as what requirements you must have to work as a machine operator and what salary you can expect.

Daily tasks of a machine operator

The main task of a machine operator is to set up and monitor production machines and ensure that they run smoothly. Their daily tasks include not only starting and stopping the machines without errors, but also checking and monitoring the ongoing production processes. Machine operators must recognize any faults in their machines, perform simple maintenance work and, if necessary, carry out minor repairs.

The daily tasks of a machine operator can vary greatly depending on the type of machine and the industry in which they work. The tasks of a machine operator often overlap with those of a mechatronics technician. Would you like to find out more about what makes a machine operator and similar jobs in production tick? Then take a look at our article on the tasks and activities of a mechatronics technician.

Daily tasks of a CNC machine operator

CNC machine operators also have a particularly responsible task: they work with CNC machines, which are computer-controlled machines used for the precise machining of workpieces made of metal, plastic or other materials. CNC stands for "Computerized Numerical Control", which means that the machine is controlled by a computer program that precisely guides the movements and tools. A CNC machine operator programs these machines and ensures that the workpieces are manufactured exactly according to the specifications. Their tasks include not only operating the machine, but also setting and correcting the machine parameters to ensure the required precision and quality. CNC technology requires a good understanding of technical drawings and programming skills in order to set up and adjust the machines optimally.

Special activities depending on industry and qualification

In many industries, job flexibility is in demand. Machine operators must be able to adapt to different production requirements and are often responsible for several machines at the same time. This makes them an important link between technology and production management.

Depending on the industry and specialization, the day-to-day work of a machine operator can look very different. You work on various machines such as tool, textile or printing systems and are responsible for the error-free operation of your machine as well as the quality of the products. In metal or plastics processing, for example as a cutting machine operator or process mechanic, the tasks can be even more demanding. This is because the machines react much more sensitively and there are often high demands on the manufactured products. Precision and technical understanding are particularly important here.

Even as a career changer, you have a good chance of gaining a foothold in this professional field, especially if you have already completed technical training, e.g. as a mechanic, quality inspector or plant operator . Additional qualifications, such as CNC programming, open up further opportunities for you to take on more demanding tasks and advance your career.

If you would like to find out more about a variety of technical professions, take a look at our article on janitor jobs and tasks. This also requires a great deal of skill and often a good technical understanding.

Requirements and salary of a machine operator

In most cases, the basic requirement for working as a machine operator is a completed technical apprenticeship . For some jobs, however, an apprenticeship or entry as a career changer is also sufficient , especially in sectors with high demand.

The salary of a machine operator in Germany varies depending on the industry, qualifications and experience. On average, the annual salary is around €35,700, which corresponds to a monthly gross salary of around €2,975 (source: Stepstone). Beginners earn around €33,800 per year, while experienced machine operators can earn up to €42,900. CNC machine operators in particular can earn higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge, often over €3,700 per month. In large companies with over 20,000 employees, salaries can be even higher. Source Salary.com.

A look at similar professions can also be informative here - for example, you can find more information on earning potential in the industry in the article Salary of an industrial mechanic.

Work as a machine operator with WorkerHero

Whether you are an experienced machine operator or a career changer - WorkerHero is the ideal platform to find your next job in Germany. With our easy-to-use platform, you can find your dream job - no matter where! Whether you're a machine operator, maintenance worker or pest controller, WorkerHero provides you with transparent information on salary, tasks and job requirements .

Even if your German language skills are not yet perfect, you can discover suitable job offers that match your profile on WorkerHero. Visit our site and find your next job in no time!