Drill press operator vs machine operator

The differences between drill press operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a drill press operator has an average salary of $35,232, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a drill press operator include blueprint specifications, jigs and tape measure. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Drill press operator vs machine operator overview

	Drill Press Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,232	$32,874
Hourly rate	$16.94	$15.80
Growth rate	-5%	-6%
Number of jobs	44,485	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Drill press operator vs machine operator salary

Drill press operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Drill Press Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,232	$32,874
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $43,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	BD
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between drill press operator and machine operator education

There are a few differences between a drill press operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Drill Press Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Drill press operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between drill press operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Drill Press Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black 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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	5%

Differences between drill press operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Drill press operator example responsibilities.

Certify machine operator for Amada press break of stainless steel
General mig welding for any project that is needed.
Drill and tap aerospace parts such as steel and aluminum structures.
Use of work orders to follow ISO procedures, and complete product quantity for each job perform.
Used tooling consist of Oxygen/acetylene torches, grinders, welding equipment including MIG and flux-core wire using noble gas shields.
Perform basic troubleshooting of extrusion machinery and plastics processes.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Drill press operator vs machine operator skills

Common drill press operator skills

Blueprint Specifications, 19%
Jigs, 16%
Tape Measure, 11%
CNC Machines, 8%
Safety Practices, 5%
Drill Holes, 5%

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Drill Press Operator
Drill Press Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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