Punch press operator vs welder-machine operator

The differences between punch press operators and welder-machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a punch press operator, becoming a welder-machine operator takes usually requires 3-6 months. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, which is higher than the $37,171 average annual salary of a welder-machine operator.

The top three skills for a punch press operator include calipers, turret punch press and micrometers. The most important skills for a welder-machine operator are arc welding, safety equipment, and stainless steel.

Punch press operator vs welder-machine operator overview

	Punch Press Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$37,977	$37,171
Hourly rate	$18.26	$17.87
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	49,830	68,316
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	46	40
Years of experience	2	6

Punch press operator vs welder-machine operator salary

Punch press operators and welder-machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Punch Press Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Average salary	$37,977	$37,171
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $48,000	Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Brooklyn Park, MN	Fontana, CA
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Nevada
Best paying company	Fortune Brands Home & Security	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

Differences between punch press operator and welder-machine operator education

There are a few differences between a punch press operator and a welder-machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Punch Press Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	General Studies	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	Dunwoody College of Technology

Punch press operator vs welder-machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between punch press operators' and welder-machine operators' demographics:

	Punch Press Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Average age	46	40
Gender ratio	Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%	Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between punch press operator and welder-machine operator duties and responsibilities

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.

Welder-machine operator example responsibilities.

Weld required parts using GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW.
Require to weld a wide veriety of assemblies, fabricate parts and maintain equipment and fixtures employing GMAW and GTAW techniques.
Operate the welding robots and do rework with the MIG welder.
Weld both steel and aluminum pressure tanks for both train and truck air brake systems.
Dismantle metal assemblies and cut scrap metal, using thermal-cutting equipment such as flame-cutting torches or plasma-arc equipment.
Position, align, fit, and weld together parts, using jigs, welding torch, and hand tools.

Punch press operator vs welder-machine operator skills

Common punch press operator skills

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

Common welder-machine operator skills

Arc Welding, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%
Stainless Steel, 6%
CNC, 6%
Tig Welding, 5%
Tape Measure, 5%

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Punch Press Operator
Punch Press Operator vs Welder-Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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