Header set-up operator vs expanding machine operator

The differences between header set-up operators and expanding machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a header set-up operator has an average salary of $35,764, which is higher than the $33,861 average annual salary of an expanding machine operator.

Header set-up operator vs expanding machine operator overview

	Header Set-Up Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,764	$33,861
Hourly rate	$17.19	$16.28
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	27,599	57,433
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

Header set-up operator vs expanding machine operator salary

Header set-up operators and expanding machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Header Set-Up Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,764	$33,861
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $45,000	Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between header set-up operator and expanding machine operator education

There are a few differences between a header set-up operator and an expanding machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Header Set-Up Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Header set-up operator vs expanding machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between header set-up operators' and expanding machine operators' demographics:

	Header Set-Up Operator	Expanding Machine Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%	Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between header set-up operator and expanding machine operator duties and responsibilities

Header set-up operator example responsibilities.

Experience with SPC; measuring every dimension in print.
Work with internal, external, and bore grinders.
Enter quality check results into the computer matching them up to SPC charts.
Perform quality control inspection using calipers/gauges/micrometers and digital comparators.
Experience with AutoCAD, NVivo research software, RSLogix5000 for PLC programming.

Expanding machine operator example responsibilities.

Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Manufacture ammunition from components using a power loading machine.

Header set-up operator vs expanding machine operator skills

Common header set-up operator skills

Calipers, 80%
SPC, 7%
Comparators, 4%
Quality Checks, 3%
Formax, 2%
Blueprint Specs, 2%

Common expanding machine operator skills

Header Set-Up Operator vs. similar jobs

Header Set-Up Operator related careers

Header Set-Up Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Header Set-Up Operator
Header Set-Up Operator vs Expanding Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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