Machine inspector vs machine operator

The differences between machine inspectors and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine inspector has an average salary of $34,246, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a machine inspector include calipers, coordinate measuring machine and grinders. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Machine inspector vs machine operator overview

	Machine Inspector	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$34,246	$32,874
Hourly rate	$16.46	$15.80
Growth rate	-3%	-6%
Number of jobs	47,097	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	45	44
Years of experience	-	-

Machine inspector vs machine operator salary

Machine inspectors and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Machine Inspector	Machine Operator
Average salary	$34,246	$32,874
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $46,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	BD
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between machine inspector and machine operator education

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

	Machine Inspector	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Machine inspector vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between machine inspectors' and machine operators' demographics:

	Machine Inspector	Machine Operator
Average age	45	44
Gender ratio	Male, 60.4% Female, 39.6%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 11.0% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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	4%	5%

Differences between machine inspector and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Machine inspector example responsibilities.

Conduct dimensional and visual inspections procedures on CMM machines to ensure geometrical characteristics of the product are in specification.
Participate in AS9100 certification process, present completed FAI before registar.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Machine inspector vs machine operator skills

Common machine inspector skills

Calipers, 29%
Coordinate Measuring Machine, 28%
Grinders, 16%
Machine Shop, 10%
QC, 5%
Customer Specifications, 5%

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%