Fabrication operator vs furnace operator

The differences between fabrication operators and furnace operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a furnace operator has an average salary of $35,972, which is higher than the $31,772 average annual salary of a fabrication operator.

The top three skills for a fabrication operator include tape measure, hand tools and calipers. The most important skills for a furnace operator are math, basic math, and cranes.

Fabrication operator vs furnace operator overview

	Fabrication Operator	Furnace Operator
Yearly salary	$31,772	$35,972
Hourly rate	$15.28	$17.29
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	56,825	58,975
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 55%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Fabrication operator vs furnace operator salary

Fabrication operators and furnace operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Fabrication Operator	Furnace Operator
Average salary	$31,772	$35,972
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	Mankato, MN	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	North Dakota	New York
Best paying company	Sanmina	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between fabrication operator and furnace operator education

There are a few differences between a fabrication operator and a furnace operator in terms of educational background:

	Fabrication Operator	Furnace Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 55%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Fabrication operator vs furnace operator demographics

Here are the differences between fabrication operators' and furnace operators' demographics:

	Fabrication Operator	Furnace Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 9.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	7%

Differences between fabrication operator and furnace operator duties and responsibilities

Fabrication operator example responsibilities.

Coordinate with engineers and supervisor for setting up Amada press brake, forming sheet metal chassis and parts for productions.
Operate any coil fabrication machine producing aluminum coils.
Monitor, control and operate computerized wafer equipment for the inspection, etching or alignment of integrate circuits.
Perform duties in accordance with GMP principles.
Shape metal material over anvils, blocks, or other forms, using hand tools.

Furnace operator example responsibilities.

Lead and coordinate team in all aspects of operation in an aluminum blast furnace.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Operate ABB robotic cell by loading parts on fixtures to be weld together.
Maintain safety measures and PPE.
Complete minor touch ups with MIG welders.
Spray arc welding utilizing gas shield MIG.

Fabrication operator vs furnace operator skills

Common fabrication operator skills

Tape Measure, 12%
Hand Tools, 9%
Calipers, 7%
Grinders, 6%
MIG, 5%
Customer Satisfaction, 4%

Common furnace operator skills

Math, 9%
Basic Math, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Preventative Maintenance, 9%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Brazing, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Fabrication Operator
Fabrication Operator vs Furnace Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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