Header set-up operator vs forger

The differences between header set-up operators and forgers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forger has an average salary of $44,438, which is higher than the $35,764 average annual salary of a header set-up operator.

Header set-up operator vs forger overview

	Header Set-Up Operator	Forger
Yearly salary	$35,764	$44,438
Hourly rate	$17.19	$21.36
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	27,599	554
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

Header set-up operator vs forger salary

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

	Header Set-Up Operator	Forger
Average salary	$35,764	$44,438
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $45,000	Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between header set-up operator and forger education

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

	Header Set-Up Operator	Forger
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Header set-up operator vs forger demographics

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

	Header Set-Up Operator	Forger
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%	Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5%
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 forger 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.

Forger example responsibilities.

Specialize in operating a CNC machine and also have to keep work area neat and tidy.
Can read micrometers and dial indicators
Load and unload trucks & rail cars in a safe and efficient manner using front loader or bobcat.

Header set-up operator vs forger skills

Common header set-up operator skills

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

Common forger skills

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Updated January 8, 2025

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