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Career Outlook: Machine Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC
In an article written in Forbes magazine, machine operator positions are nothing to scoff at these days. “These are not lousy jobs. Average annual earnings for a skilled machinist are $55,000, but somehow youngsters are turned off by the blue-collar image. Skilled manufacturing is rarely encouraged in high schools, which tend to push students into four-year colleges, having persuaded the kids that without that college sheepskin they are condemned to hamburger flipping at McDonald's.”According to Cityrate.com, machine operators in Columbia, South Carolina on average were making $23,180 in 2003, a figure that continues to grow by 81%. The average hourly rate for Columbia area machine operators is $9.00 to $11.14.
Machine operators usually fall into two groups--those who set up machines for operation and those who tend the machines during production. Setup workers prepare the machines prior to production and may adjust the machinery during its operation. Operators and tenders primarily monitor the machinery during its operation, sometimes loading or unloading the machine or making minor adjustments to the controls. Some employees are trained in all areas and can do both. Because the setup process requires an understanding of the entire production process, setters usually have more training and are more highly skilled than those who simply operate or tend machinery. As new automation simplifies the setup process, however, less skilled workers also are increasingly able to set up machines for operation. This is true for Columbia, South Carolina manufacturers as well.
Setters, operators, and tenders usually are identified by the type of machine with which they work. Some examples of specific titles are drilling- and boring-machine tool setters, milling- and planing-machine tenders, and lathe- and turning-machine tool operators. Job duties usually vary with the size of the company and the type of machine being operated. Although some workers specialize in one or two types of machinery, many are trained to set up or operate a variety of machines. Newer production techniques, such as team-oriented manufacturing, require machine operators to rotate between different machines. Rotating assignments result in more varied work, but also require workers to have a wider range of skills. Many Columbia, South Carolina manufacturers are looking at rotating assignments and cross training machine operators.
Hours and Conditions
Many companies in the Columbia, SC area require employees to work rotating shifts. Most workers in the occupation put in a 40-hour week, but overtime is common during periods of increased production. Because many metalworking and plastics working shops operate more than one shift daily, some operators work nights and weekends. During increased production or special projects it is common for manufacturers to use flexible staffing agencies to ramp up their workforce.
Operators require stamina, because they are on their feet much of the day and may do moderately heavy lifting. Also, these workers operate powerful, high-speed machines that can be dangerous if strict safety rules are not observed. Most operators wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses and earplugs to protect against flying particles of metal or plastic and against noise from the machines. However, many modern machines are enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, dust, and lubricants used during machining. Other required safety equipment varies by work setting and machine. For example, those in the plastics industry who work near materials that emit dangerous fumes or dust must wear face masks or self-contained breathing apparatus.
There are some companies in Columbia, SC who offer on the job training for candidates who have at least one year stable experience in manufacturing. This is an excellent opportunity to become a full time associate after working on a temporary assignment.
The complexity of the equipment largely determines the time required to become an operator. Most operators learn the basic machine operations and functions in a few weeks, but they may need a year to become skilled operators or to advance to the more highly skilled job of setter. Although many operators learn on the job, some community colleges and other educational institutions offer courses and certifications in operating metal and plastics machines. In addition to providing on-the-job training, some employers send promising machine tenders to operator classes. Other employers prefer to hire workers who have completed, or currently are enrolled in, a training program.
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