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What does a Warehouse Machine Operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a Warehouse Machine Operator do

Warehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines. They are expected to communicate with other team members and provide support for continuous production. Most employers are looking to hire someone with knowledge of production and safety procedures, previous experience as a machine operator, and analytical skills.

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Warehouse machine operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real warehouse machine operator resumes:

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Operate extrusion equipment keeping all settings in spec for quality production keep production moving using forklifts
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Improve order processing and inventory logistics by adding labels to bin locations for easier identification and determination of equipment on hand.
  • Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialize material handling equipment such as a forklift.
  • Advise and assist with work assignments utilizing the established safety practices and procedures (PPE).
  • Experience with standards of daily operations (OSHA requirement on minimum/maximum practices, EPA/ISO, GMP, PPE and MSDS )
  • Set machine up to put address labels on magazines sort mail pack ups an FedEx
  • Implement quality assurance resources through tracking software, visual inspection, inventory and FIFO system.
  • Utilize the FIFO (first in first out) method while maintaining the logistics operation of the supply department.
  • Operate power equipment including: order pickers, tuggers, reach trucks, and counterbalance forklifts.

Warehouse machine operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 19% of Warehouse Machine Operators are proficient in Basic Math, Safety Regulations, and Electric Pallet Jack. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Coordination, and Mechanical skills.

We break down the percentage of Warehouse Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Basic Math, 19%

    Warehouse maintenance as needed Skills Used *Determination *Consistency *Literary skills *Basic Mathematics

  • Safety Regulations, 13%

    Stored materials and operated machinery in compliance with safety regulations.

  • Electric Pallet Jack, 11%

    Operated a double electric pallet jack to pull orders for the stores.

  • Shipping Receiving, 7%

    General Warehouse/Light Industrial Shipping Receiving.

  • Load Trucks, 5%

    Load and unload trucks, take inventory, rotate stock, pull orders, drive forklift, run varies machines as needed

  • RF Scanner, 5%

    Order picking and stocking of all kind of freight in this major warehouse using the RF Scanner.

Common skills that a warehouse machine operator uses to do their job include "basic math," "safety regulations," and "electric pallet jack." You can find details on the most important warehouse machine operator responsibilities below.

Coordination. Many warehouse machine operator duties rely on coordination. "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely," so a warehouse machine operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways warehouse machine operator responsibilities rely on coordination: "inventory control, receiving, dock coordination, forklift and power jack operation. "

Mechanical skills. warehouse machine operators are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to warehouse machine operator responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." A warehouse machine operator resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "maintained mechanical components of cnc machines. "

Visual ability. warehouse machine operator responsibilities often require "visual ability." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." This resume example shows what warehouse machine operators do with visual ability on a typical day: "perform visual quality part checks * load job/material per production needs * use of micrometers and calipers * load/unload trucks on dock"

Communication skills. Another crucial skill for a warehouse machine operator to carry out their responsibilities is "communication skills." A big part of what warehouse machine operators relies on this skill, since "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." How this skill relates to warehouse machine operator duties can be seen in an example from a warehouse machine operator resume snippet: "inventory control fork lift operation janitorial maintenance accomplishments forklift certification liscense skills used outstanding in interpersonal and communication skills. "

See the full list of warehouse machine operator skills

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Warehouse Machine Operator Resume
Warehouse Machine Operator Resume
Warehouse Machine Operator Resume
Warehouse Machine Operator Resume
Warehouse Machine Operator Resume
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Compare different warehouse machine operators

Warehouse machine operator vs. Material handler/warehouse

A warehouse material handler is responsible for assisting warehouse operations, moving merchandise from one place to another, labeling products, performing quality check procedures, packaging goods, and loading and unloading items from distribution vehicles. Warehouse material handlers operate warehouse tools and equipment for production, as well as ensuring the adequacy of stock inventory needed for orders and deliveries. A warehouse material handler also updates product information on the database and do administrative tasks, such as writing reports and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns.

The annual salary of material handler/warehouses is $1,412 lower than the average salary of warehouse machine operators.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between warehouse machine operators and material handler/warehouses are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like basic math, safety regulations, and electric pallet jack.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, warehouse machine operator responsibilities require skills like "forklift operation," "machine operation," "cnc," and "customer specifications." Meanwhile a typical material handler/warehouse has skills in areas such as "pallets," "work ethic," "supply support," and "ladders." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Material handler/warehouses tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,722. In contrast, warehouse machine operators make the biggest average salary, $36,642, in the manufacturing industry.The education levels that material handler/warehouses earn slightly differ from warehouse machine operators. In particular, material handler/warehouses are 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a warehouse machine operator. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse machine operator vs. Driver/warehouse worker

A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.

On average, driver/warehouse workers earn a $1,402 higher salary than warehouse machine operators a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Warehouse machine operators and driver/warehouse workers both require similar skills like "safety regulations," "electric pallet jack," and "load trucks" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real warehouse machine operator resumes. While warehouse machine operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "basic math," "shipping receiving," "rf scanner," and "machine operation," driver/warehouse workers use skills like "customer service," "cdl," "office furniture," and "hazardous materials."

Driver/warehouse workers may earn a higher salary than warehouse machine operators, but driver/warehouse workers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $35,536. On the other hand, warehouse machine operators receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,642.driver/warehouse workers earn similar levels of education than warehouse machine operators in general. They're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse machine operator vs. Forklift operator

Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.

On average scale, forklift operators bring in higher salaries than warehouse machine operators. In fact, they earn a $417 higher salary per year.warehouse machine operators and forklift operators both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "basic math," "safety regulations," and "electric pallet jack," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from warehouse machine operator resumes include skills like "shipping receiving," "warehouse operations," "machine operation," and "warehouse equipment," whereas a forklift operator is more likely to list skills in "pallets," "osha," "orderly fashion," and "stand-up forklift. "

Forklift operators earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $37,519. Warehouse machine operators earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $36,642.forklift operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to warehouse machine operators. Specifically, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse machine operator vs. Lift operator

A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.

Lift operators typically earn lower pay than warehouse machine operators. On average, lift operators earn a $1,487 lower salary per year.While both warehouse machine operators and lift operators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like safety regulations, electric pallet jack, and load trucks, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between warehouse machine operators and lift operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a warehouse machine operator might have more use for skills like "basic math," "shipping receiving," "warehouse operations," and "machine operation." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of lift operators require skills like "pallets," "fork-lift," "safety rules," and "power saws. "

In general, lift operators earn the most working in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $36,028. The highest-paying industry for a warehouse machine operator is the manufacturing industry.In general, lift operators hold similar degree levels compared to warehouse machine operators. Lift operators are 0.4% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of warehouse machine operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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