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What is a table operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a table operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.14 an hour? That's $31,481 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTable OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,481

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 1.68%

Black or African American 7.93%

Hispanic or Latino 13.41%

Unknown 4.36%

White 71.84%

Gender

female 14.60%

male 85.40%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Table operator career paths

Key steps to become a table operator

  1. Explore table operator education requirements

    Most common table operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    51.2 %

    Associate

    16.6 %

    Bachelor's

    12.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific table operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CNC Plasma12.83%
    Overhead Cranes12.10%
    Tape Measure8.53%
    Steel Plates7.59%
    Quality Checks6.49%
  3. Complete relevant table operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New table operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a table operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real table operator resumes.
  4. Research table operator duties and responsibilities

    • Measure thickness of material with calipers and micrometers while sanding to keep material within allowable tolerances.
    • Inspect raw stock for defects, keeping record of all non-conforming pieces in accordance with ISO certification standards.
    • Clean, Deburr, and inspect make by the laser to insure good quality of the parts.
    • Job responsibilities include operating shear and saws to produce correct blank parts within ISO tolerances for future manufacturing duties and departments.
  5. Prepare your table operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your table operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a table operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable table operator resume templates

    Build a professional table operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your table operator resume.
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
    Table Operator Resume
  6. Apply for table operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a table operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first table operator job

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Average table operator salary

The average table operator salary in the United States is $31,481 per year or $15 per hour. Table operator salaries range between $25,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average table operator salary
$31,481 Yearly
$15.14 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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