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The differences between test operators and certified welding inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a certified welding inspector has an average salary of $47,494, which is higher than the $35,591 average annual salary of a test operator.
The top three skills for a test operator include test equipment, hand tools and test procedures. The most important skills for a certified welding inspector are CWI, PT, and structural steel.
| Test Operator | Certified Welding Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $35,591 | $47,494 |
| Hourly rate | $17.11 | $22.83 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 63,674 | 50,814 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment. Moreover, a certified welding inspector also helps welders by developing welding techniques to optimize operations, teaching the correct welding practices, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas.
Test operators and certified welding inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Operator | Certified Welding Inspector | |
| Average salary | $35,591 | $47,494 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $48,000 | Between $31,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Stratford, CT | - |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | - |
| Best paying company | Qorvo | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a test operator and a certified welding inspector in terms of educational background:
| Test Operator | Certified Welding Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between test operators' and certified welding inspectors' demographics:
| Test Operator | Certified Welding Inspector | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.1% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |