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What is the difference between a machinist and an operator?

There are several definitions of what constitutes a machinist. Here are a few examples:

www.yourdictionary.com

ma·chin·ist (mə s̸hēn′ist)

noun

1. a person who makes or repairs machinery
2. a worker skilled in using machine tools
3. a worker who operates a machine

http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/machinist.html

ma·chin·ist [ mə shnist ] (plural ma·chin·ists)

noun
Definition:

1. somebody who machines something: somebody whose job involves machining something or operating a machine or machine tool, especially in a factory

2. machine maker or repairer: somebody who makes or repairs machines

3. U.S. Navy position: a naval petty officer who is assigned to a ship's engine room

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While both describe, in very general terms what a machinist is, they both are woefully lacking in depth and understanding. A great percentage of the general public has no real concept of machining. To add to the confusion, machine operators in some circumstances, are viewed as machinists. I'd like to take a moment and more accurately describe what a machinists is and the differences between a machinist and a machine operator.

A machinist is a person that can accurately machine parts to print, using a variety of machines and/or methods, relying on his/her skills, obtained through an accredited trade school or from many years of on-the-job experience. An operator, on the other hand, is not a machinist at all. Operators are an entry level position, lacking necessary machining skills, that run jobs that have already been proven out by a machinist. In the industry, we call them 'Button Pushers'. Sure, operators have their place in a machine shop, but they should never be considered a machinist. That's an insult to true machinists and an unwarranted/unearned elevation of an operator's real status.