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Forge operator vs machine operator

The differences between forge operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forge operator has an average salary of $33,751, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a forge operator include hand tools, safety rules and calipers. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Forge operator vs machine operator overview

Forge OperatorMachine Operator
Yearly salary$33,751$32,874
Hourly rate$16.23$15.80
Growth rate7%-6%
Number of jobs57,46296,834
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 67%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4344
Years of experience4-

Forge operator vs machine operator salary

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

Forge OperatorMachine Operator
Average salary$33,751$32,874
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-BD
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between forge operator and machine operator education

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

Forge OperatorMachine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 67%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Forge operator vs machine operator demographics

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

Forge OperatorMachine Operator
Average age4344
Gender ratioMale, 93.4% Female, 6.6%Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%5%

Differences between forge operator and 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.

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.
  • Show more

Forge operator vs machine operator skills

Common forge operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 22%
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Cranes, 8%
  • Gauges, 7%
  • CNC, 6%
Common machine operator skills
  • Basic Math, 11%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Math, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%
  • Quality Standards, 5%

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