Shot peening operator vs blasting machine operator

The differences between shot peening operators and blasting 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 shot peening operator, becoming a blasting machine operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a shot peening operator has an average salary of $41,356, which is higher than the $31,116 average annual salary of a blasting machine operator.

The top three skills for a shot peening operator include peen, shot peening and CNC. The most important skills for a blasting machine operator are basic math, hand tools, and blast machine.

Shot peening operator vs blasting machine operator overview

	Shot Peening Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$41,356	$31,116
Hourly rate	$19.88	$14.96
Growth rate	-8%	4%
Number of jobs	26,906	57,806
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	4

Shot peening operator vs blasting machine operator salary

Shot peening operators and blasting machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Shot Peening Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Average salary	$41,356	$31,116
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $53,000	Between $21,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between shot peening operator and blasting machine operator education

There are a few differences between a shot peening operator and a blasting machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Shot Peening Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Shot peening operator vs blasting machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between shot peening operators' and blasting machine operators' demographics:

	Shot Peening Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 86.7% Female, 13.3%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 4.5% White, 69.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	6%	2%

Differences between shot peening operator and blasting machine operator duties and responsibilities

Shot peening operator example responsibilities.

Run trumpf laser systems, inspect parts for quality errors, maintain deadlines, read blueprints, perform basic laser maintenance.
Prepare manufacturing pulleys by blasting and applying industrial glue.

Blasting machine operator example responsibilities.

Assure that the proper abrasive metal, grit, metal shoot, seed, glass bead etc.
Utilize up to three 30 ton roof cranes simultaneously to safely maneuver girders weighing up to 82 tons.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Operate industrial paint vats, cross train on overhead cab crane and heat treat.
Operate CNC horizontal milling machines and CNC wire and sinker EDM machines.
Assemble bolt and wire harnesses, forklift, tool crib, and EDM machine operator.

Shot peening operator vs blasting machine operator skills

Common shot peening operator skills

Peen, 51%
Shot Peening, 46%
CNC, 3%

Common blasting machine operator skills

Basic Math, 76%
Hand Tools, 5%
Blast Machine, 5%
Cranes, 5%
Grit, 4%
CNC, 2%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Shot Peening Operator
Shot Peening Operator vs Blasting Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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