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Numerical control operator vs machine set up operator

The differences between numerical control operators and machine set up operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a numerical control operator and a machine set up operator. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $35,823 average annual salary of a machine set up operator.

The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for a machine set up operator are cnc machines, calipers, and micrometers.

Numerical control operator vs machine set up operator overview

Numerical Control OperatorMachine Set Up Operator
Yearly salary$38,280$35,823
Hourly rate$18.40$17.22
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs85,06861,986
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Numerical control operator vs machine set up operator salary

Numerical control operators and machine set up operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Numerical Control OperatorMachine Set Up Operator
Average salary$38,280$35,823
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $50,000Between $28,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityTualatin, ORHolyoke, MA
Highest paying stateWest VirginiaCalifornia
Best paying companyBWX TechnologiesABB
Best paying industryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between numerical control operator and machine set up operator education

There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and a machine set up operator in terms of educational background:

Numerical Control OperatorMachine Set Up Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Numerical control operator vs machine set up operator demographics

Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and machine set up operators' demographics:

Numerical Control OperatorMachine Set Up Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 89.0% Female, 11.0%Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between numerical control operator and machine set up operator duties and responsibilities

Numerical control operator example responsibilities.

  • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
  • Set up and run vertical milling machines and Mori-Seiki lathes
  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and calipers
  • Set up and operate machine turning tools (lathes, MAZAK).
  • Used manual and CNC mills (HAAS), lathes (HAAS) and (OKUMA) and surface grinders.
  • Mill and lathe g-code programming.
  • Show more

Machine set up operator example responsibilities.

  • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
  • Used micrometers and calipers to determine require tolerances.
  • Follow ISO and QS standard operating procedures.
  • Panel control, fanuc control, & dynapath.
  • Run machines after setup, inspect parts run.
  • Work on CNC OKUMA machines, horizontals and verticals.
  • Show more

Numerical control operator vs machine set up operator skills

Common numerical control operator skills
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Micrometers, 9%
  • Math, 6%
  • Lathe Machines, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%
Common machine set up operator skills
  • CNC Machines, 13%
  • Calipers, 10%
  • Micrometers, 9%
  • CNC Lathes, 6%
  • Quality Checks, 5%
  • Math, 5%

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