Tunneling machine operator vs auger operator

The differences between tunneling machine operators and auger operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tunneling machine operator and an auger operator. Additionally, an auger operator has an average salary of $37,929, which is higher than the $29,347 average annual salary of a tunneling machine operator.

The top three skills for a tunneling machine operator include control room, dryers and . The most important skills for an auger operator are augers, , and .

Tunneling machine operator vs auger operator overview

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Auger Operator
Yearly salary	$29,347	$37,929
Hourly rate	$14.11	$18.24
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,605	30,675
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Tunneling machine operator vs auger operator salary

Tunneling machine operators and auger operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Auger Operator
Average salary	$29,347	$37,929
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $36,000	Between $25,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tunneling machine operator and auger operator education

There are a few differences between a tunneling machine operator and an auger operator in terms of educational background:

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Auger Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	General Studies	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Tunneling machine operator vs auger operator demographics

Here are the differences between tunneling machine operators' and auger operators' demographics:

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Auger Operator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%	Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tunneling machine operator and auger operator duties and responsibilities

Tunneling machine operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

Auger operator example responsibilities.

Manage HVAC system and air handling system as far positive pressure systems and negative pressure systems.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Monitor and maintain HVAC system including toxic area cascading ventilation system.

Tunneling machine operator vs auger operator skills

Common tunneling machine operator skills

Control Room, 84%
Dryers, 16%

Common auger operator skills

Augers, 100%

Tunneling Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

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Construction and Extraction Industry
Tunneling Machine Operator
Tunneling Machine Operator vs Auger Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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