Test operator vs weld inspector

The differences between test operators and weld inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a weld inspector has an average salary of $50,441, 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 weld inspector are pipeline project, NDT, and NDE.

Test operator vs weld inspector overview

	Test Operator	Weld Inspector
Yearly salary	$35,591	$50,441
Hourly rate	$17.11	$24.25
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	63,674	16,559
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 32%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Test operator vs weld inspector salary

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

	Test Operator	Weld Inspector
Average salary	$35,591	$50,441
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $48,000	Between $33,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City	Stratford, CT	-
Highest paying state	Connecticut	-
Best paying company	Qorvo	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between test operator and weld inspector education

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

	Test Operator	Weld Inspector
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 32%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Test operator vs weld inspector demographics

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

	Test Operator	Weld Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0%	Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7%
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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 8.1% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between test operator and weld 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.

Weld inspector example responsibilities.

Inspect all coating application to ensure proper application and WFT is achieved per clients and manufacturers specifications and standards.
Instruct current and new welders in drawing and WPS reading.
Monitor compliance with WPS, specifications, codes, and standards.
Review shop drawings while performing tasks according to specifications of SMAW type welding
Record all detail defects for use in the future with FDA regulations.
Inspect FBE coating on final bench and calibrations of all test equipment.

Test operator vs weld 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 weld inspector skills

Pipeline Project, 9%
NDT, 8%
NDE, 7%
Inspect Welds, 7%
PT, 6%
Tie-Ins, 5%