This guy is not just a machine operator. He is a heavy equipment operator. This is a skilled job and requires a lot of experience and the ability to work your way up through the ranks, and survive a dangerous job, working with heavy equipment, lead dust and battery acid. I am sure a lot of those hours were OT.
With out a lot of shipping or building there is little need for his skills.
I don’t have degrees, but I have been working on computers for 20 years. I make 1/2 of what this guy made and am happy to get it rather then trying to scrape by on fast food wages.
I always thought I would have it made when my annual salary was greater than a stripper. They make over 100K per year.....