Table operator vs welder-machine operator

The differences between table operators and welder-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 table operator, becoming a welder-machine operator takes usually requires 3-6 months. Additionally, a welder-machine operator has an average salary of $37,171, 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 welder-machine operator are arc welding, safety equipment, and stainless steel.

Table operator vs welder-machine operator overview

	Table Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$37,171
Hourly rate	$15.14	$17.87
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	54,149	68,316
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	46	40
Years of experience	2	6

Table operator vs welder-machine operator salary

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

	Table Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$37,171
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Fontana, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Nevada
Best paying company	SPX	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Construction	Technology

Differences between table operator and welder-machine operator education

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

	Table Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	Dunwoody College of Technology

Table operator vs welder-machine operator demographics

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

	Table Operator	Welder-Machine Operator
Average age	46	40
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between table operator and welder-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.

Welder-machine operator example responsibilities.

Weld required parts using GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW.
Require to weld a wide veriety of assemblies, fabricate parts and maintain equipment and fixtures employing GMAW and GTAW techniques.
Operate the welding robots and do rework with the MIG welder.
Weld both steel and aluminum pressure tanks for both train and truck air brake systems.
Dismantle metal assemblies and cut scrap metal, using thermal-cutting equipment such as flame-cutting torches or plasma-arc equipment.
Position, align, fit, and weld together parts, using jigs, welding torch, and hand tools.

Table operator vs welder-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 welder-machine operator skills

Arc Welding, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%
Stainless Steel, 6%
CNC, 6%
Tig Welding, 5%
Tape Measure, 5%

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Table Operator vs Welder-Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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