Test operator vs mechanical inspector

The differences between test operators and mechanical inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mechanical inspector has an average salary of $49,727, 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 mechanical inspector are calipers, micrometers, and mechanical inspection.

Test operator vs mechanical inspector overview

	Test Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Yearly salary	$35,591	$49,727
Hourly rate	$17.11	$23.91
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	63,674	33,863
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	Associate Degree, 30%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

What does a test operator do?

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.

What does a mechanical inspector do?

Mechanical inspectors are skilled professionals who are responsible for inspecting the electrical, mechanical, and other systems for commercial and residential buildings. These inspectors are required to inspect equipment such as boilers, HVAC systems, and elevators to ensure they are properly functioning. They must ensure that the works done are following local regulations while investigating reports of code violations. Mechanical inspectors must also interpret engineering drawings and specification requirements while performing quality evaluations on materials to determine the acceptance of products.

Test operator vs mechanical inspector salary

Test operators and mechanical inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Test Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Average salary	$35,591	$49,727
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $48,000	Between $36,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Stratford, CT	Omaha, NE
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Connecticut
Best paying company	Qorvo	PBF Energy
Best paying industry	Technology	Government

Differences between test operator and mechanical inspector education

There are a few differences between a test operator and a mechanical inspector in terms of educational background:

	Test Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	Associate Degree, 30%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	-	-

Test operator vs mechanical inspector demographics

Here are the differences between test operators' and mechanical inspectors' demographics:

	Test Operator	Mechanical Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0%	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
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, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between test operator and mechanical inspector duties and responsibilities

Test operator example responsibilities.

Box build sub-assembly level by solder wire into connector, lead, and fan according to MPI and visuals aid.
Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
Work include new lay, tie-ins, repairs, CTS stations, ETS stations.
Install the new version software operation windows.
Complete NDT inspections using multiple inspection methods.
Trouble shoots and repair ICT failures to component level.

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Mechanical inspector example responsibilities.

Inspect parts to blueprints using all measuring equipment; micrometer, surface plate, calipers, customer certifications and P.O.
Review vendor supply certifications and first article inspection reports for accurate completion of documentation.
Draft ISO's as needed.
Adhere to FDA and ISO compliance.
Assemble composite assemblies in jigs.
Program and operate Mitutoyo CMM.

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Test operator vs mechanical inspector skills

Common test operator skills

Test Equipment, 9%
Hand Tools, 7%
Test Procedures, 6%
Test Results, 5%
Safety Rules, 4%
Circuit Boards, 4%

Common mechanical inspector skills

Calipers, 10%
Micrometers, 9%
Mechanical Inspection, 8%
GD, 6%
Engineering Drawings, 6%
Aerospace, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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