Table operator vs machine operator

The differences between table operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, 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 machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Table operator vs machine operator overview

	Table Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$32,874
Hourly rate	$15.14	$15.80
Growth rate	-5%	-6%
Number of jobs	54,149	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Table operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Table Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$32,874
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Alaska	Minnesota
Best paying company	SPX	BD
Best paying industry	Construction	Automotive

Differences between table operator and machine operator education

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

	Table Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Table Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	5%

Differences between table operator and machine 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.

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.

Table operator vs machine 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 machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%