Salary range: $25,000 – $40,000
Degree/training/certificate required: High school diploma or, in some cases, a two-year college degree in technology
Unit operators must show initiative and intelligence. These individuals generally have an aptitude for math and science, and were good students in high school. They are also interested in cutting-edge technology and automation.
People in this position are responsible for monitoring and controlling a particular sector or component of a production line. Often, they work behind a glassed-in control panel with lightboards and computers and therefore must have good vision and coordination. Unit operators are very interested in and comfortable with technology and automation. They must also possess strong math skills and a mechanical aptitude.
A unit operator’s knowledge, experience and desire determine what responsibility he or she may take on in the future.