Forge operator vs expanding machine operator

The differences between forge operators and expanding machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an expanding machine operator has an average salary of $33,861, which is higher than the $33,751 average annual salary of a forge operator.

Forge operator vs expanding machine operator overview

	Forge Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,751	$33,861
Hourly rate	$16.23	$16.28
Growth rate	7%	-5%
Number of jobs	57,462	57,433
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	-

Forge operator vs expanding machine operator salary

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

	Forge Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,751	$33,861
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $41,000	Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between forge operator and expanding machine operator education

There are a few differences between a forge operator and an expanding machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Forge Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Forge operator vs expanding machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between forge operators' and expanding machine operators' demographics:

	Forge Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6%	Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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%
LGBT Percentage	4%	3%

Differences between forge operator and expanding machine operator duties and responsibilities

Forge operator example responsibilities.

Perform quality checks using micrometers, calipers and other gauges to assure finish forged stabilizer bars are within specification.
Use cnc operate saws shears lathes and mills to size billet charges.
Operate 5,000 ton press daily, operation are manual or automatic using a CNC numerical screen.
Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot creatively, solve problems effectively, and make inform decisions while successfully guiding others through constant change.
Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

Expanding machine operator example responsibilities.

Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Manufacture ammunition from components using a power loading machine.

Forge operator vs expanding machine operator skills

Common forge operator skills

Hand Tools, 22%
Safety Rules, 16%
Calipers, 12%
Cranes, 8%
Gauges, 7%
CNC, 6%

Common expanding machine operator skills

Forge Operator vs. similar jobs

Forge Operator related careers

Forge Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

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Transportation Industry
Forge Operator
Forge Operator vs Expanding Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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