Heading machine operator vs saw operator

The differences between heading machine operators and saw operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a heading machine operator has an average salary of $38,675, which is higher than the $32,319 average annual salary of a saw operator.

The top three skills for a heading machine operator include hand tools, production run and CNC. The most important skills for a saw operator are tape measure, hand tools, and basic math.

Heading machine operator vs saw operator overview

	Heading Machine Operator	Saw Operator
Yearly salary	$38,675	$32,319
Hourly rate	$18.59	$15.54
Growth rate	7%	3%
Number of jobs	59,193	58,465
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 56%
Average age	44	45
Years of experience	-	-

Heading machine operator vs saw operator salary

Heading machine operators and saw operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Heading Machine Operator	Saw Operator
Average salary	$38,675	$32,319
Salary range	Between $12,000 And $121,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	-	Springfield, OR
Highest paying state	-	Oregon
Best paying company	-	Micro Metals Inc.
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between heading machine operator and saw operator education

There are a few differences between a heading machine operator and a saw operator in terms of educational background:

	Heading Machine Operator	Saw Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heading machine operator vs saw operator demographics

Here are the differences between heading machine operators' and saw operators' demographics:

	Heading Machine Operator	Saw Operator
Average age	44	45
Gender ratio	Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%	Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 1.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between heading machine operator and saw operator duties and responsibilities

Heading machine operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Set up, run and programe CNC machining centers using set up sheets.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.

Saw operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Used spread sheets, calipers, micrometers, and other gauges to ensure proper sizes and quality of finish products.
Utilize precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
Use various size micrometers, calibers, and gauges accurately.
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling and cleaning machines, etc.
Fabricate and cut rolled copper into specific parts for use in HVAC applications.

Heading machine operator vs saw operator skills

Common heading machine operator skills

Hand Tools, 31%
Production RUN, 23%
CNC, 20%
Calipers, 14%
RAN, 3%
Embroidery, 2%

Common saw operator skills

Tape Measure, 15%
Hand Tools, 10%
Basic Math, 8%
Math, 8%
Aluminum, 7%
Safety Procedures, 6%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Heading Machine Operator
Heading Machine Operator vs Saw Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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