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The differences between numerical control operators and press brake 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 press brake operator. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $36,359 average annual salary of a press brake operator.
The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for a press brake operator are calipers, tape measure, and math.
| Numerical Control Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,280 | $36,359 |
| Hourly rate | $18.40 | $17.48 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 85,068 | 57,264 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal. These operators may have their own business, work in a factory setting, or other types of machinery shops.
Numerical control operators and press brake operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,280 | $36,359 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Johnson Controls |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and a press brake operator in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and press brake operators' demographics:
| Numerical Control Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| 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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 3% |