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Forge operator vs numerical control operator

The differences between forge operators and numerical control operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a forge operator, becoming a numerical control operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $33,751 average annual salary of a forge operator.

The top three skills for a forge operator include hand tools, safety rules and calipers. The most important skills for a numerical control operator are calipers, micrometers, and math.

Forge operator vs numerical control operator overview

Forge OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Yearly salary$33,751$38,280
Hourly rate$16.23$18.40
Growth rate7%-8%
Number of jobs57,46285,068
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 67%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4343
Years of experience42

Forge operator vs numerical control operator salary

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

Forge OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Average salary$33,751$38,280
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $29,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City-Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state-West Virginia
Best paying company-BWX Technologies
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between forge operator and numerical control operator education

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

Forge OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 67%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Forge operator vs numerical control operator demographics

Here are the differences between forge operators' and numerical control operators' demographics:

Forge OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 93.4% Female, 6.6%Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
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, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%6%

Differences between forge operator and numerical control 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.

Numerical control operator example responsibilities.

  • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
  • Set up and run vertical milling machines and Mori-Seiki lathes
  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and calipers
  • Set up and operate machine turning tools (lathes, MAZAK).
  • Used manual and CNC mills (HAAS), lathes (HAAS) and (OKUMA) and surface grinders.
  • Mill and lathe g-code programming.
  • Show more

Forge operator vs numerical control operator skills

Common forge operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 22%
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Cranes, 8%
  • Gauges, 7%
  • CNC, 6%
Common numerical control operator skills
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Micrometers, 9%
  • Math, 6%
  • Lathe Machines, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%

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