What does a table operator do?
Table operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real table operator resumes:
- 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.
- Dye setting and machine set up.
Table operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Table Operators are proficient in CNC Plasma, Overhead Cranes, and Tape Measure. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Table Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CNC Plasma, 13%
Operated CNC Plasma Table with rotating head feature allowing to cut beveled cutting.
- Overhead Cranes, 12%
Operate overhead cranes loading and unloading burn tables and trucks.
- Tape Measure, 9%
Used ruler, tape measure, and many types of squares.
- Steel Plates, 8%
Worked with sheet metal anywhere between 16 gauge and 3/4 inch steel plate.
- Quality Checks, 6%
Assisted in shipping department for quality checks before release of product.
- Press Brake, 6%
Assisted with shearing machine and press brake.
Most table operators use their skills in "cnc plasma," "overhead cranes," and "tape measure" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential table operator responsibilities here:
Computer skills. The most essential soft skill for a table operator to carry out their responsibilities is computer skills. This skill is important for the role because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, a table operator resume shows how their duties depend on computer skills: "cut glass per computer programs for customer needs. "
Physical strength. table operators are also known for physical strength, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to table operator responsibilities, because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place." A table operator resume example shows how physical strength is used in the workplace: "perform physical inventories and quality checking of all materials. "
Mechanical skills. For certain table operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a table operator rely on this skill, as "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what table operators do: "talented in mechanical skillfully operated a brake press machine within a manufacturing facility.repair and troubleshooting. "
The three companies that hire the most table operators are:
- Construction Specialties5 table operators jobs
- Stanley Black & Decker3 table operators jobs
- Mannington Mills3 table operators jobs
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Compare different table operators
Table operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, table operator responsibilities require skills like "cnc plasma," "overhead cranes," "steel plates," and "press brake." Meanwhile a typical machine operator/forklift operator has skills in areas such as "safety standards," "drive forklift," "load trucks," and "cnc." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Machine operator/forklift operators earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $36,711. On the other hand, table operators are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $36,326.machine operator/forklift operators tend to reach similar levels of education than table operators. In fact, machine operator/forklift operators are 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Table operator vs. Numerical control operator
A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations. A numerical control operator duties' also include inspecting equipment setup and finished products, ensuring high-quality parts, reviewing blueprints, following client's specifications for making adjustments, and adhering to the safety guidelines and procedures required by the business.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real table operator resumes. While table operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "cnc plasma," "steel plates," "press brake," and "plasma burn table," numerical control operators use skills like "calipers," "micrometers," "math," and "lathe machines."
On average, numerical control operators earn a higher salary than table operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, numerical control operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $41,888. Whereas table operators have higher pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $36,326.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Numerical control operators tend to reach similar levels of education than table operators. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Table operator vs. Punch press operator
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from table operator resumes include skills like "cnc plasma," "overhead cranes," "steel plates," and "plasma burn table," whereas a punch press operator is more likely to list skills in "calipers," "turret punch press," "micrometers," and "math. "
Punch press operators make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $43,262. On the other hand, table operators are paid the highest salary in the construction industry, with average annual pay of $36,326.Most punch press operators achieve a similar degree level compared to table operators. For example, they're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Table operator vs. Welder-machine operator
Even though a few skill sets overlap between table operators and welder-machine operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a table operator might have more use for skills like "cnc plasma," "steel plates," "plasma burn table," and "mig." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of welder-machine operators require skills like "safety equipment," "cnc," "tig welding," and "tack. "
In general, welder-machine operators earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $54,740. The highest-paying industry for a table operator is the construction industry.welder-machine operators reach similar levels of education compared to table operators, in general. The difference is that they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of table operator
Updated January 8, 2025
