Forge press operator vs machine operator

The differences between forge press operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forge press operator has an average salary of $33,563, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a forge press operator include forge press, calipers and minor maintenance. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Forge press operator vs machine operator overview

	Forge Press Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,563	$32,874
Hourly rate	$16.14	$15.80
Growth rate	-5%	-6%
Number of jobs	44,853	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	48	44
Years of experience	4	-

Forge press operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Forge Press Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,563	$32,874
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $40,000	Between $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 press operator and machine operator education

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

	Forge Press Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forge press operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Forge Press Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	48	44
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 7.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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 forge press operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Forge press operator example responsibilities.

Flute grinders, brad point machines and chop see.
Use of calipers, mics and various tools to assure forge parts are to spec.
Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.
Operate an overhead remote crane to move and stage raw material.
Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses

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.

Forge press operator vs machine operator skills

Common forge press operator skills

Forge Press, 18%
Calipers, 16%
Minor Maintenance, 14%
Hand Tools, 14%
Quality Checks, 12%
Tongs, 7%

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
Forge Press Operator
Forge Press Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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