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The differences between numerical control operators and process 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 process operator. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.
The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.
| Numerical Control Operator | Process Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,280 | $37,996 |
| Hourly rate | $18.40 | $18.27 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 85,068 | 83,478 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| 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 process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
Numerical control operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,280 | $37,996 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $29,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and a process operator in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Operator | Process Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and process operators' demographics:
| Numerical Control Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |