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Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal operator

The differences between sheet metal mechanics and sheet metal operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal operator has an average salary of $45,015, which is higher than the $42,882 average annual salary of a sheet metal mechanic.

The top three skills for a sheet metal mechanic include hand tools, brazing and HVAC. The most important skills for a sheet metal operator are CNC, punch press, and spot welding.

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal operator overview

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Operator
Yearly salary$42,882$45,015
Hourly rate$20.62$21.64
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs35,24243,197
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal operator salary

Sheet metal mechanics and sheet metal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Operator
Average salary$42,882$45,015
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $59,000Between $32,000 And $61,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyConstellation Energy Partners-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between sheet metal mechanic and sheet metal operator education

There are a few differences between a sheet metal mechanic and a sheet metal operator in terms of educational background:

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal operator demographics

Here are the differences between sheet metal mechanics' and sheet metal operators' demographics:

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 92.5% Female, 7.5%Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 2.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between sheet metal mechanic and sheet metal operator duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Adhere to OSHA regulations by inspection and documenting safety harnesses and PPE.
  • Solder copper lines to set condensing, package and air handler units with oxygen and acetylene torches.
  • Perform installation and assembly of air duct systems with use of hand and power tools, ladders, and lifts.
  • Locate establish reference lines or points and perform sheet metal assembly work without aid of jigs, fixtures, or other tooling
  • Green handle and red handle snips )
  • Build and hang Tdc and duct mate duct.
  • Show more

Sheet metal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage large-scale industrial and commercial HVAC installation and service projects.
  • Create & run complex bend setup & forming operations.
  • Measure and then run sheets of metal into a machine that cut it into the exact measurement.
  • Perform fabrication and installation of copper and aluminum gutters for large-scale buildings.
  • Fire caulking, trim returns to fit above ceiling, install exhaust for bathrooms in each apartment.

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal operator skills

Common sheet metal mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • Brazing, 8%
  • HVAC, 7%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Air Handlers, 5%
  • Aluminum, 4%
Common sheet metal operator skills
  • CNC, 25%
  • Punch Press, 14%
  • Spot Welding, 13%
  • MIG, 8%
  • Stamping Presses, 6%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%

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