Gauge operator vs mechanical inspector

The differences between gauge 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 $37,803 average annual salary of a gauge operator.

The top three skills for a gauge operator include hand tools, CNC and . The most important skills for a mechanical inspector are calipers, micrometers, and mechanical inspection.

Gauge operator vs mechanical inspector overview

	Gauge Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Yearly salary	$37,803	$49,727
Hourly rate	$18.17	$23.91
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	30,482	33,863
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	Associate Degree, 30%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Gauge operator vs mechanical inspector salary

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

	Gauge Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Average salary	$37,803	$49,727
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $50,000	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 gauge operator and mechanical inspector education

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

	Gauge Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	Associate Degree, 30%
Most common major	Business	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	-	-

Gauge operator vs mechanical inspector demographics

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

	Gauge Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 gauge operator and mechanical inspector duties and responsibilities

Gauge operator example responsibilities.

Review and interpret part prints and datum schemes in the production of subframes for BMW and Mercedes.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

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.

Gauge operator vs mechanical inspector skills

Common gauge operator skills

Hand Tools, 55%
CNC, 45%

Common mechanical inspector skills

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