Numerical control operator vs set-up operator

The differences between numerical control operators and 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 set-up operator. Additionally, a set-up operator has an average salary of $39,269, which is higher than the $38,280 average annual salary of a numerical control operator.

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

Numerical control operator vs set-up operator overview

	Numerical Control Operator	Set-Up Operator
Yearly salary	$38,280	$39,269
Hourly rate	$18.40	$18.88
Growth rate	-8%	-8%
Number of jobs	85,068	55,670
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a numerical control operator do?

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.

What does a set-up operator do?

A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.

Numerical control operator vs set-up operator salary

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

	Numerical Control Operator	Set-Up Operator
Average salary	$38,280	$39,269
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $50,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Tualatin, OR	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	West Virginia	New York
Best paying company	BWX Technologies	Schneider Electric Industrial Services
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between numerical control operator and set-up operator education

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

	Numerical Control Operator	Set-Up Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Numerical control operator vs set-up operator demographics

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

	Numerical Control Operator	Set-Up Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%
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, 4.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between numerical control operator and 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.

Set-up operator example responsibilities.

Manage daily scheduling of production workload to be setup and run on machinery.
Use and replacement of drills, taps, broaches, and reamers.
Manufacture parts according to blueprints, work with stainless steel aluminum, brass and plastics.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders.
Use of exact measuring instruments as CMM, optical comparators, mics, bore gauges and many other tools.
Produce parts from different materials such as cold roll steel, stainless steel, no lead brass and regular brass.

Numerical control operator vs 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 set-up operator skills

Calipers, 9%
CNC Machines, 7%
Hand Tools, 7%
Math, 6%
Quality Checks, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 6%

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Numerical Control Operator
Numerical Control Operator vs Set-Up Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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