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The differences between furnace operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a furnace operator has an average salary of $35,972, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a furnace operator include math, basic math and cranes. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,972 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $17.29 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 58,975 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 55% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A furnace operator records time and production data, adjusts thermostats, and observes a pyrometer to maintain the temperature between specified limits. The operators set furnace control to regulate the temperature and heating time. They measure the temperature of the products to determine the necessity for adjusting furnace temperature using thermal instruments and charts. Their duties include the removal of materials from the furnace using signals overhead crane operator and transfer it to the next station and open furnace doors. This process will allow them to admit slabs, sheet, plate, and coil to lower ingots and uncover soaking pits into them.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Furnace operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,972 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $44,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rochester, NY | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | New York | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | BD |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a furnace operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 55% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between furnace operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 7% | 5% |