Formation testing operator vs mechanical inspector

The differences between formation testing operators and mechanical inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mechanical inspector has an average salary of $49,727, which is higher than the $35,197 average annual salary of a formation testing operator.

The top three skills for a formation testing operator include customer specifications, color accuracy and battery cells. The most important skills for a mechanical inspector are calipers, micrometers, and mechanical inspection.

Formation testing operator vs mechanical inspector overview

	Formation Testing Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Yearly salary	$35,197	$49,727
Hourly rate	$16.92	$23.91
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	27,193	33,863
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 30%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Formation testing operator vs mechanical inspector salary

Formation testing operators and mechanical inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Formation Testing Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Average salary	$35,197	$49,727
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $47,000	Between $36,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Omaha, NE
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	PBF Energy
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between formation testing operator and mechanical inspector education

There are a few differences between a formation testing operator and a mechanical inspector in terms of educational background:

	Formation Testing Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 30%
Most common major	Business	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	-	-

Formation testing operator vs mechanical inspector demographics

Here are the differences between formation testing operators' and mechanical inspectors' demographics:

	Formation Testing Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 25.5% Asian, 6.9% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between formation testing operator and mechanical inspector duties and responsibilities

Formation testing operator example responsibilities.

Provide assistance with file conversions using metaprint and AutoCAD.
Implement tool control and OSHA safety regulations while working independently on various machinery.
Experience with laminating, extrusion and multi-color printing.

Mechanical inspector example responsibilities.

Inspect parts to blueprints using all measuring equipment; micrometer, surface plate, calipers, customer certifications and P.O.
Review vendor supply certifications and first article inspection reports for accurate completion of documentation.
Draft ISO's as needed.
Adhere to FDA and ISO compliance.
Assemble composite assemblies in jigs.
Program and operate Mitutoyo CMM.

Formation testing operator vs mechanical inspector skills

Common formation testing operator skills

Customer Specifications, 57%
Color Accuracy, 40%
Battery Cells, 3%

Common mechanical inspector skills

Calipers, 10%
Micrometers, 9%
Mechanical Inspection, 8%
GD, 6%
Engineering Drawings, 6%
Aerospace, 4%

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Formation Testing Operator
Formation Testing Operator vs Mechanical Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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