Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between numerical control operators and controls engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a numerical control operator, becoming a controls engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a controls engineer has an average salary of $84,532, which is higher than the $38,280 average annual salary of a numerical control operator.
The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| Numerical Control Operator | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $38,280 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $18.40 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 85,068 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations. A numerical control operator duties' also include inspecting equipment setup and finished products, ensuring high-quality parts, reviewing blueprints, following client's specifications for making adjustments, and adhering to the safety guidelines and procedures required by the business.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Numerical control operators and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Operator | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $38,280 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Operator | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and controls engineers' demographics:
| Numerical Control Operator | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |