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The differences between numerical control operators and operators 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 an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.
The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Numerical Control Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,280 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $18.40 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 85,068 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Numerical control operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,280 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and operators' demographics:
| Numerical Control Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |