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Blasting machine operator vs numerical control operator

The differences between blasting machine operators and numerical control 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 numerical control operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, 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 numerical control operator are calipers, micrometers, and math.

Blasting machine operator vs numerical control operator overview

Blasting Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Yearly salary$31,116$38,280
Hourly rate$14.96$18.40
Growth rate4%-8%
Number of jobs57,80685,068
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4343
Years of experience42

Blasting machine operator vs numerical control operator salary

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

Blasting Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Average salary$31,116$38,280
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $46,000Between $29,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City-Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state-West Virginia
Best paying company-BWX Technologies
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between blasting machine operator and numerical control operator education

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

Blasting Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Blasting machine operator vs numerical control operator demographics

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

Blasting Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 92.0% Female, 8.0%Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%6%

Differences between blasting machine operator and numerical control 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.
  • Show more

Numerical control operator example responsibilities.

  • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
  • Set up and run vertical milling machines and Mori-Seiki lathes
  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and calipers
  • Set up and operate machine turning tools (lathes, MAZAK).
  • Used manual and CNC mills (HAAS), lathes (HAAS) and (OKUMA) and surface grinders.
  • Mill and lathe g-code programming.
  • Show more

Blasting machine operator vs numerical control operator skills

Common blasting machine operator skills
  • Basic Math, 76%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Blast Machine, 5%
  • Cranes, 5%
  • Grit, 4%
  • CNC, 2%
Common numerical control operator skills
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Micrometers, 9%
  • Math, 6%
  • Lathe Machines, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%

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