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Polishing machine operator vs numerical control operator

The differences between polishing machine operators and numerical control 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 polishing machine operator and a numerical control operator. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $33,810 average annual salary of a polishing machine operator.

The top three skills for a polishing machine operator include safety policies, grinding wheels and machine operation. The most important skills for a numerical control operator are calipers, micrometers, and math.

Polishing machine operator vs numerical control operator overview

Polishing Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Yearly salary$33,810$38,280
Hourly rate$16.25$18.40
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs58,15985,068
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Polishing machine operator vs numerical control operator salary

Polishing machine operators and numerical control operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Polishing Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Average salary$33,810$38,280
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $43,000Between $29,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City-Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state-West Virginia
Best paying company-BWX Technologies
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between polishing machine operator and numerical control operator education

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

Polishing Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Polishing machine operator vs numerical control operator demographics

Here are the differences between polishing machine operators' and numerical control operators' demographics:

Polishing Machine OperatorNumerical Control Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 88.9% Female, 11.1%Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%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%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between polishing machine operator and numerical control operator duties and responsibilities

Polishing machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
  • Participate in technical support and assist validation and QA department during equipment validation.

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.
  • Show more

Polishing machine operator vs numerical control operator skills

Common polishing machine operator skills
  • Safety Policies, 41%
  • Grinding Wheels, 18%
  • Machine Operation, 16%
  • Safety Standards, 11%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%
  • Load Trucks, 3%
Common numerical control operator skills
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Micrometers, 9%
  • Math, 6%
  • Lathe Machines, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%

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