Cold header operator vs forger

The differences between cold header operators and forgers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cold header operator has an average salary of $62,538, which is higher than the $44,438 average annual salary of a forger.

Cold header operator vs forger overview

	Cold Header Operator	Forger
Yearly salary	$62,538	$44,438
Hourly rate	$30.07	$21.36
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	25,851	554
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

Cold header operator vs forger salary

Cold header operators and forgers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cold Header Operator	Forger
Average salary	$62,538	$44,438
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $99,000	Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between cold header operator and forger education

There are a few differences between a cold header operator and a forger in terms of educational background:

	Cold Header Operator	Forger
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cold header operator vs forger demographics

Here are the differences between cold header operators' and forgers' demographics:

	Cold Header Operator	Forger
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 98.5% Female, 1.5%	Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between cold header operator and forger duties and responsibilities

Cold header operator example responsibilities.

Use measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, etc . )
Enforce QMS compliance fulfilling BSI regulate certification.
Maintain parts to blue-print specifications using micrometers, vernier calipers and measuring gages.
Enforce QMS compliance fulfilling BSI regulate certification.

Forger example responsibilities.

Specialize in operating a CNC machine and also have to keep work area neat and tidy.
Can read micrometers and dial indicators
Load and unload trucks & rail cars in a safe and efficient manner using front loader or bobcat.

Cold header operator vs forger skills

Common cold header operator skills

Calipers, 62%
Grinders, 19%
SPC, 17%
Formax, 2%

Common forger skills

Cold Header Operator vs. similar jobs

Cold Header Operator related careers

Cold Header Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Operator responsibilities

Updated January 8, 2025

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