Fabrication operator vs punch press operator

The differences between fabrication operators and punch press operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, 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 punch press operator are calipers, turret punch press, and micrometers.

Fabrication operator vs punch press operator overview

	Fabrication Operator	Punch Press Operator
Yearly salary	$31,772	$37,977
Hourly rate	$15.28	$18.26
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	56,825	49,830
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	44	46
Years of experience	-	2

Fabrication operator vs punch press operator salary

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

	Fabrication Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average salary	$31,772	$37,977
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Mankato, MN	Brooklyn Park, MN
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Minnesota
Best paying company	Sanmina	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between fabrication operator and punch press operator education

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

	Fabrication Operator	Punch Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Fabrication operator vs punch press operator demographics

Here are the differences between fabrication operators' and punch press operators' demographics:

	Fabrication Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average age	44	46
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	3%

Differences between fabrication operator and punch press 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.

Punch press operator example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or veneer calipers.
Die room equipment Gerber profile 408 cnc router table.
Set up and run all aspects of the stamping process
Possess the ability to effectively utilize advance shop math and computer skills.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks and hoists to move stock and product.
Grind out burrs and sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, and polishing jacks.

Fabrication operator vs punch press operator skills

Common fabrication operator skills

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

Common punch press operator skills

Calipers, 14%
Turret Punch Press, 10%
Micrometers, 8%
Math, 7%
Punch Press Machine, 6%
Machine Operation, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Fabrication Operator
Fabrication Operator vs Punch Press Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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