Machine Feeder

Your Fit

Income

$40K

Preparation

Some

Growth

5.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Machine Feeder?

A Machine Feeder is responsible for setting up, operating, and feeding materials into machines used in various manufacturing processes. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of production machinery.

Sample job titles:

Dryer Feeder, Feeder, Machine Feeder, Offbearer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Machine Feeder.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Machine Feeder earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Machine Feeder.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$32K per year	$35K per year	$40K per year	$45K per year	$51K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $26K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Machine Feeder do?

Work environment

Machine Feeders typically work in manufacturing settings, such as factories or production plants. The environment can be noisy and requires adherence to safety protocols. The role may involve standing for long periods and working with heavy machinery.

Quick task list

Loads materials into production machines.
Sets up and adjusts machine settings for specific production tasks.
Monitors machine operation and product quality.
Clears machine jams and performs basic maintenance.
Keeps records of materials used and production output.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Textile Machine Feeding: Specializing in feeding materials into textile production machines.
Paper Goods Machine Feeding: Focusing on machines used in paper product manufacturing.
Food Processing Machine Operation: Working with machinery in food production settings.
Metal and Plastic Machinery Feeding: Handling materials for metal or plastic manufacturing.
Automated Machine Operation: Specializing in feeding materials into automated or computer-controlled machines.

Description

Machine Feeders play a pivotal role in the manufacturing industry, ensuring that production machinery operates correctly and continuously. They are responsible for accurately feeding raw materials or components into machines, adjusting feed mechanisms, and monitoring the production process for any issues. Understanding the machinery's operation is crucial, as Machine Feeders may need to make minor adjustments or troubleshoot basic problems to maintain workflow.

Safety is a critical aspect of this role, as working with heavy machinery can pose risks. Machine Feeders must follow strict safety guidelines, including using protective equipment and ensuring that machinery is operated safely. The ability to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining high safety standards is essential.

This occupation requires physical stamina, as it often involves standing for extended periods, lifting heavy materials, and performing repetitive tasks. Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail are important for handling materials and monitoring machine operations effectively.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing an integral role in the production process.
The opportunity to work hands-on with machinery and technology.
Seeing the tangible results of one's work in the finished products.

You might make a good Machine Feeder if you are...

Interested in operating and maintaining machinery.
Physically fit and able to perform repetitive tasks.
Detail-oriented and able to monitor processes closely.
A problem solver who can react quickly to production issues.
Committed to following safety protocols and procedures.

Pros:

Opportunities to work in various manufacturing sectors.
The satisfaction of contributing to tangible production goals.
Potential for overtime and shift work to increase earnings.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially monotonous work.
Exposure to noisy and busy industrial environments.
The need to adhere to strict safety regulations and wear protective gear.

How to become a Machine Feeder

Typical education

Usually, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient. On-the-job training is common, and additional technical training or certifications may be beneficial for operating specialized machinery.

High school preparation

Courses:

Industrial arts or vocational tech classes for basic machinery knowledge.
Physical education to build stamina and physical fitness.
Mathematics for understanding production quotas and measurements.
Basic computer courses for operating computer-controlled machines.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in robotics clubs or workshops.
Volunteering or part-time jobs in manufacturing or mechanical settings.
Team sports or activities that build physical endurance.

Preparation after high school

Technical or vocational training in machine operation or manufacturing processes.
Certifications in specific types of machinery or safety protocols.
Entry-level positions in manufacturing to gain hands-on experience.

More resources

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Offers certifications and training for metalworking and machinery operation.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides guidelines and resources for safe operation in industrial settings.
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) - A resource for standards and certifications in manufacturing.
The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) - Offers training and resources for packaging and processing machinery.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.