Fabrication operator vs machine operator

The differences between fabrication operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, 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 machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Fabrication operator vs machine operator overview

	Fabrication Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$31,772	$32,874
Hourly rate	$15.28	$15.80
Growth rate	-5%	-6%
Number of jobs	56,825	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Fabrication operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Fabrication Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$31,772	$32,874
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Mankato, MN	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Minnesota
Best paying company	Sanmina	BD
Best paying industry	Technology	Automotive

Differences between fabrication operator and machine operator education

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

	Fabrication Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Fabrication operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Fabrication Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
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, 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	5%	5%

Differences between fabrication operator and machine 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.

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.

Fabrication operator vs machine operator skills

Common fabrication operator skills

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

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
Fabrication Operator
Fabrication Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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