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Sheet metal operator vs machine operator

The differences between sheet metal operators and machine 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 $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a sheet metal operator include CNC, punch press and spot welding. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Sheet metal operator vs machine operator overview

Sheet Metal OperatorMachine Operator
Yearly salary$45,015$32,874
Hourly rate$21.64$15.80
Growth rate-1%-6%
Number of jobs43,19796,834
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4544
Years of experience--

Sheet metal operator vs machine operator salary

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

Sheet Metal OperatorMachine Operator
Average salary$45,015$32,874
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $61,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-BD
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between sheet metal operator and machine operator education

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

Sheet Metal OperatorMachine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Sheet metal operator vs machine operator demographics

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

Sheet Metal OperatorMachine Operator
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 91.8% Female, 8.2%Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%5%

Differences between sheet metal operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

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.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
  • Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
  • Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
  • Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
  • Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
  • Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
  • Show more

Sheet metal operator vs machine operator skills

Common sheet metal operator skills
  • CNC, 25%
  • Punch Press, 14%
  • Spot Welding, 13%
  • MIG, 8%
  • Stamping Presses, 6%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%
Common machine operator skills
  • Basic Math, 11%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Math, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%
  • Quality Standards, 5%

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