Numerical control operator vs punch press operator

The differences between numerical control operators and punch press 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 punch press operator. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $37,977 average annual salary of a punch press operator.

The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for a punch press operator are calipers, turret punch press, and micrometers.

Numerical control operator vs punch press operator overview

	Numerical Control Operator	Punch Press Operator
Yearly salary	$38,280	$37,977
Hourly rate	$18.40	$18.26
Growth rate	-8%	-5%
Number of jobs	85,068	49,830
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	43	46
Years of experience	2	2

Numerical control operator vs punch press operator salary

Numerical control operators and punch press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Numerical Control Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average salary	$38,280	$37,977
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $50,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Tualatin, OR	Brooklyn Park, MN
Highest paying state	West Virginia	Minnesota
Best paying company	BWX Technologies	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between numerical control operator and punch press operator education

There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and a punch press operator in terms of educational background:

	Numerical Control Operator	Punch Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Numerical control operator vs punch press operator demographics

Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and punch press operators' demographics:

	Numerical Control Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average age	43	46
Gender ratio	Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%	Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
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%

Differences between numerical control operator and punch press 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.

Punch press operator example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or veneer calipers.
Die room equipment Gerber profile 408 cnc router table.
Set up and run all aspects of the stamping process
Possess the ability to effectively utilize advance shop math and computer skills.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks and hoists to move stock and product.
Grind out burrs and sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, and polishing jacks.

Numerical control operator vs punch press operator skills

Common numerical control operator skills

Calipers, 12%
Micrometers, 9%
Math, 6%
Lathe Machines, 6%
Hand Tools, 6%
Safety Standards, 4%

Common punch press operator skills

Calipers, 14%
Turret Punch Press, 10%
Micrometers, 8%
Math, 7%
Punch Press Machine, 6%
Machine Operation, 5%

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Numerical Control Operator
Numerical Control Operator vs Punch Press Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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