Table operator vs line operator

The differences between table operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a line operator has an average salary of $34,520, 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 line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.

Table operator vs line operator overview

	Table Operator	Line Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$34,520
Hourly rate	$15.14	$16.60
Growth rate	-5%	7%
Number of jobs	54,149	137,127
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Table operator vs line operator salary

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

	Table Operator	Line Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$34,520
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	North Dakota
Best paying company	SPX	BD
Best paying industry	Construction	Manufacturing

Differences between table operator and line operator education

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

	Table Operator	Line Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs line operator demographics

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

	Table Operator	Line Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4%
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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	5%

Differences between table operator and line 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.

Line operator example responsibilities.

Follow safety procedures, including but not limit to, wearing proper PPE, lock-out/tag-out, and HAZMAT.
Weld various models of Honda car seats.
Operate foam line for assembly of Toyota Tacoma car seats.
Work the assembly line building car door frames for Chrysler.
Work in high volume production setting, sewing seat covers for Toyota vehicles.
Wear all PPE while manually draining and cleaning of all dip tanks and stations after shift or when production quality lessen.

Table operator vs line 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 line operator skills

Preventative Maintenance, 12%
PPE, 9%
Basic Math, 9%
Extrusion, 8%
Quality Checks, 7%
Assembly Line, 5%