Welder operator vs machine operator

The differences between welder operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator has an average salary of $32,874, which is higher than the $31,669 average annual salary of a welder operator.

The top three skills for a welder operator include MIG, arc welding and hand tools. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Welder operator vs machine operator overview

	Welder Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$31,669	$32,874
Hourly rate	$15.23	$15.80
Growth rate	2%	-6%
Number of jobs	51,229	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	40	44
Years of experience	4	-

Welder operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Welder Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$31,669	$32,874
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Chicopee, MA	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Wyoming	Minnesota
Best paying company	Capco	BD
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between welder operator and machine operator education

There are a few differences between a welder operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Welder Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Welder operator vs machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between welder operators' and machine operators' demographics:

	Welder Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	40	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	5%

Differences between welder operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

Welder operator example responsibilities.

Manage aluminum structural/pipe fabrication turnaround: cross-country CGIT/IPB megawatt electrical power conductors.
Weld carbon steel pipes using GTAW and SMAW.
Weld with (GMAW) on aluminum.
Maintain certifications in SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW.
Perform TIG and MIG welding processes on fabrications according to the blueprints specifications.
Weld heavy industrial clamps together using the MIG and TIG process on AR400 grade steel.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Welder operator vs machine operator skills

Common welder operator skills

MIG, 12%
Arc Welding, 9%
Hand Tools, 8%
Safety Equipment, 7%
Tig Welding, 6%
GMAW, 5%

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%