Table operator vs furnace operator

The differences between table operators and furnace operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a furnace operator has an average salary of $35,972, which is higher than the $31,481 average annual salary of a table operator.

The top three skills for a table operator include cnc plasma, overhead cranes and tape measure. The most important skills for a furnace operator are math, basic math, and cranes.

Table operator vs furnace operator overview

	Table Operator	Furnace Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$35,972
Hourly rate	$15.14	$17.29
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	54,149	58,975
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 55%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Table operator vs furnace operator salary

Table operators and furnace operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Table Operator	Furnace Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$35,972
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	Alaska	New York
Best paying company	SPX	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Construction	Technology

Differences between table operator and furnace operator education

There are a few differences between a table operator and a furnace operator in terms of educational background:

	Table Operator	Furnace Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 55%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs furnace operator demographics

Here are the differences between table operators' and furnace operators' demographics:

	Table Operator	Furnace Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
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, 10.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	3%	7%

Differences between table operator and furnace operator duties and responsibilities

Table operator example 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.
Utilize both FCAW and GMAW to weld steel products.
Fit up and weld automobile lifts using GMAW process.

Furnace operator example responsibilities.

Lead and coordinate team in all aspects of operation in an aluminum blast furnace.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Operate ABB robotic cell by loading parts on fixtures to be weld together.
Maintain safety measures and PPE.
Complete minor touch ups with MIG welders.
Spray arc welding utilizing gas shield MIG.

Table operator vs furnace operator skills

Common table operator skills

CNC Plasma, 13%
Overhead Cranes, 12%
Tape Measure, 9%
Steel Plates, 8%
Quality Checks, 6%
Press Brake, 6%

Common furnace operator skills

Math, 9%
Basic Math, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Preventative Maintenance, 9%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Brazing, 5%