Control operator vs numerical control operator

The differences between control operators and numerical control operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a control operator and a numerical control operator. Additionally, a control operator has an average salary of $42,885, which is higher than the $38,280 average annual salary of a numerical control operator.

The top three skills for a control operator include customer service, safety procedures and payroll. The most important skills for a numerical control operator are calipers, micrometers, and math.

Control operator vs numerical control operator overview

	Control Operator	Numerical Control Operator
Yearly salary	$42,885	$38,280
Hourly rate	$20.62	$18.40
Growth rate	-8%	-8%
Number of jobs	64,435	85,068
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a control operator do?

The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary. There are also instances where they must produce progress reports, address and resolve issues, and implement solutions. Furthermore, as a control operator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with fellow employees, coordinating every step of the way for a safe and efficient workflow.

What does a numerical control operator do?

A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations. A numerical control operator duties' also include inspecting equipment setup and finished products, ensuring high-quality parts, reviewing blueprints, following client's specifications for making adjustments, and adhering to the safety guidelines and procedures required by the business.

Control operator vs numerical control operator salary

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

	Control Operator	Numerical Control Operator
Average salary	$42,885	$38,280
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $55,000	Between $29,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City	Hoffman Estates, IL	Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state	Illinois	West Virginia
Best paying company	Battelle	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Energy	Automotive

Differences between control operator and numerical control operator education

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

	Control Operator	Numerical Control Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	-

Control operator vs numerical control operator demographics

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

	Control Operator	Numerical Control Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%	Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between control operator and numerical control operator duties and responsibilities

Control operator example responsibilities.

Manage day to day processing of accounts receivable and payable using QuickBooks, producing reports as needed.
Manage all financial activities including financial reporting, general accounting, budgeting, cost accounting, A/R, A/P.
Manage, analyze, and prepare period- and year-end documentation, ensuring generally accept accounting principles (GAAP) adherence.
Manage logistics to increase shipping efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
Manage business unit income statements, product-line contribution margin reporting and absorption analysis.
Coordinate and manage annual physical inventory as well as inventory valuation in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

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.

Control operator vs numerical control operator skills

Common control operator skills

Customer Service, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Financial Reports, 4%
CPA, 4%
Logistics, 4%

Common numerical control operator skills

Calipers, 12%
Micrometers, 9%
Math, 6%
Lathe Machines, 6%
Hand Tools, 6%
Safety Standards, 4%

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Control Operator
Control Operator vs Numerical Control Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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