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Brake operator vs welder-machine operator

The differences between brake operators and welder-machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a brake operator, becoming a welder-machine operator takes usually requires 3-6 months. Additionally, a brake operator has an average salary of $38,911, which is higher than the $37,171 average annual salary of a welder-machine operator.

The top three skills for a brake operator include calipers, basic math and tape measure. The most important skills for a welder-machine operator are arc welding, safety equipment, and stainless steel.

Brake operator vs welder-machine operator overview

Brake OperatorWelder-Machine Operator
Yearly salary$38,911$37,171
Hourly rate$18.71$17.87
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs46,16468,316
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4640
Years of experience26

Brake operator vs welder-machine operator salary

Brake operators and welder-machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Brake OperatorWelder-Machine Operator
Average salary$38,911$37,171
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $49,000Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City-Fontana, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-BWX Technologies
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between brake operator and welder-machine operator education

There are a few differences between a brake operator and a welder-machine operator in terms of educational background:

Brake OperatorWelder-Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessPrecision Metal Working
Most common college-Dunwoody College of Technology

Brake operator vs welder-machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between brake operators' and welder-machine operators' demographics:

Brake OperatorWelder-Machine Operator
Average age4640
Gender ratioMale, 87.8% Female, 12.2%Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between brake operator and welder-machine operator duties and responsibilities

Brake operator example responsibilities.

  • Experience using micrometers, squares, calipers and protractors.
  • Perform light mig and tig welding and metal refinishing.
  • Align motor, air end and coupling using calipers, dial indicators and straight edges.
  • Operate brake press to meet OE specifications.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of extrusion machinery and plastics processes.
  • Measure part angle with protractor, flange length with measureing tape and material thickness with micrometer.
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Welder-machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Weld required parts using GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW.
  • Require to weld a wide veriety of assemblies, fabricate parts and maintain equipment and fixtures employing GMAW and GTAW techniques.
  • Operate the welding robots and do rework with the MIG welder.
  • Weld both steel and aluminum pressure tanks for both train and truck air brake systems.
  • Dismantle metal assemblies and cut scrap metal, using thermal-cutting equipment such as flame-cutting torches or plasma-arc equipment.
  • Position, align, fit, and weld together parts, using jigs, welding torch, and hand tools.
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Brake operator vs welder-machine operator skills

Common brake operator skills
  • Calipers, 15%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • Tape Measure, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Pallets, 6%
  • Read Blueprints, 6%
Common welder-machine operator skills
  • Arc Welding, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 7%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%
  • CNC, 6%
  • Tig Welding, 5%
  • Tape Measure, 5%

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