Table operator vs welder operator

The differences between table operators and welder 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 operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a welder operator has an average salary of $31,669, 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 operator are MIG, arc welding, and hand tools.

Table operator vs welder operator overview

	Table Operator	Welder Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$31,669
Hourly rate	$15.14	$15.23
Growth rate	-5%	2%
Number of jobs	54,149	51,229
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 50%
Average age	46	40
Years of experience	2	4

Table operator vs welder operator salary

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

	Table Operator	Welder Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$31,669
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $25,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Chicopee, MA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Wyoming
Best paying company	SPX	Capco
Best paying industry	Construction	Automotive

Differences between table operator and welder operator education

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

	Table Operator	Welder Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 50%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs welder operator demographics

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

	Table Operator	Welder Operator
Average age	46	40
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between table operator and welder 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 operator example responsibilities.

Manage aluminum structural/pipe fabrication turnaround: cross-country CGIT/IPB megawatt electrical power conductors.
Weld carbon steel pipes using GTAW and SMAW.
Weld with (GMAW) on aluminum.
Maintain certifications in SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW.
Perform TIG and MIG welding processes on fabrications according to the blueprints specifications.
Weld heavy industrial clamps together using the MIG and TIG process on AR400 grade steel.

Table operator vs welder 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 operator skills

MIG, 12%
Arc Welding, 9%
Hand Tools, 8%
Safety Equipment, 7%
Tig Welding, 6%
GMAW, 5%