Torch operator vs mill operator

The differences between torch operators and mill operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a torch operator and a mill operator. Additionally, a mill operator has an average salary of $39,045, which is higher than the $38,691 average annual salary of a torch operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a mill operator are CNC, OSHA, and math.

Torch operator vs mill operator overview

	Torch Operator	Mill Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$39,045
Hourly rate	$18.60	$18.77
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,306	64,574
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Torch operator vs mill operator salary

Torch operators and mill operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Torch Operator	Mill Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$39,045
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $31,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Freeport-McMoRan
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between torch operator and mill operator education

There are a few differences between a torch operator and a mill operator in terms of educational background:

	Torch Operator	Mill Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs mill operator demographics

Here are the differences between torch operators' and mill operators' demographics:

	Torch Operator	Mill Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.2% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between torch operator and mill operator duties and responsibilities

Torch operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Enter all data in AS400 for shipping.
Operate various plasma equipment and hand torches to create items detail in blueprints.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Operate material handling equipment, overhead crane, electric truck and forklift
Used crane to unload flat bed trucks and rail cars of sheets of steel.

Mill operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Perform all work in respirator and other proper PPE.
Skil at training other machinists on CNC machines in this shop.
Assemble parts, operate CNC lathe and mills and adjust off sets.
Perform QC testing on products, filing paperwork per company and ISO standards.
Rebuild Rotex sifters, fabricate and replace screens, replace shoes and anvils in impact mills.

Torch operator vs mill operator skills

Common torch operator skills

Rail Cars, 47%
Torches, 38%
Plate Steel, 10%
CAD, 6%

Common mill operator skills

CNC, 7%
OSHA, 7%
Math, 6%
Calipers, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
Safety Rules, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Torch Operator
Torch Operator vs Mill Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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