Blasting machine operator vs machine tool operator

The differences between blasting machine operators and machine tool operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a blasting machine operator, becoming a machine tool operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a machine tool operator has an average salary of $36,999, which is higher than the $31,116 average annual salary of a blasting machine operator.

The top three skills for a blasting machine operator include basic math, hand tools and blast machine. The most important skills for a machine tool operator are hand tools, cnc machines, and machine tools.

Blasting machine operator vs machine tool operator overview

	Blasting Machine Operator	Machine Tool Operator
Yearly salary	$31,116	$36,999
Hourly rate	$14.96	$17.79
Growth rate	4%	-8%
Number of jobs	57,806	66,471
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	Associate Degree, 35%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	2

Blasting machine operator vs machine tool operator salary

Blasting machine operators and machine tool operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Blasting Machine Operator	Machine Tool Operator
Average salary	$31,116	$36,999
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $46,000	Between $10,000 And $128,000
Highest paying City	-	Garfield, NJ
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	NOV
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between blasting machine operator and machine tool operator education

There are a few differences between a blasting machine operator and a machine tool operator in terms of educational background:

	Blasting Machine Operator	Machine Tool Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	Associate Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Blasting machine operator vs machine tool operator demographics

Here are the differences between blasting machine operators' and machine tool operators' demographics:

	Blasting Machine Operator	Machine Tool Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%	Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	6%

Differences between blasting machine operator and machine tool operator duties and responsibilities

Blasting machine operator example responsibilities.

Assure that the proper abrasive metal, grit, metal shoot, seed, glass bead etc.
Utilize up to three 30 ton roof cranes simultaneously to safely maneuver girders weighing up to 82 tons.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Operate industrial paint vats, cross train on overhead cab crane and heat treat.
Operate CNC horizontal milling machines and CNC wire and sinker EDM machines.
Assemble bolt and wire harnesses, forklift, tool crib, and EDM machine operator.

Machine tool operator example responsibilities.

Operate Fanuc controls for Mori-Seki and Okuma CNC lathes.
Perform duties in compliance with ISO, QS-9000 and TQM principles and standards.
Adhere to GMP and HACCP plans within regulations.
Execute rig up and the maintenance of wellhead isolation tools as well as high-pressure well controls.
Set up and operate: lathes, mills, grinders, screw machines and electrical disintegration machines.
Perform various validation techniques using measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers.

Blasting machine operator vs machine tool operator skills

Common blasting machine operator skills

Basic Math, 76%
Hand Tools, 5%
Blast Machine, 5%
Cranes, 5%
Grit, 4%
CNC, 2%

Common machine tool operator skills

Hand Tools, 16%
CNC Machines, 10%
Machine Tools, 10%
Grinders, 9%
Drill Presses, 8%
Rig, 7%

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Blasting Machine Operator
Blasting Machine Operator vs Machine Tool Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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