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The differences between extruder operators and numerical control operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $36,707 average annual salary of an extruder operator.
The top three skills for an extruder operator include extrusion, quality checks and hand tools. The most important skills for a numerical control operator are calipers, micrometers, and math.
| Extruder Operator | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,707 | $38,280 |
| Hourly rate | $17.65 | $18.40 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 66,729 | 85,068 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An extruder operator's work is essential to industries such as automobile parts manufacturing and aerospace machine manufacturing. They control the machines that make and shape thermoplastic materials. They may also be responsible for training new staff to work on these machines. They also do maintenance on their tools, ensure products meet specifications, and create reports for their supervisors.
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.
Extruder operators and numerical control operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Extruder Operator | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,707 | $38,280 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Woburn, MA | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | Baker Hughes | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an extruder operator and a numerical control operator in terms of educational background:
| Extruder Operator | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between extruder operators' and numerical control operators' demographics:
| Extruder Operator | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% |
| 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, 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 | 3% | 6% |