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The differences between composite technicians and die setters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a die setter has an average salary of $37,673, which is higher than the $33,380 average annual salary of a composite technician.
The top three skills for a composite technician include hand tools, calipers and composite materials. The most important skills for a die setter are die-setter, calipers, and overhead cranes.
| Composite Technician | Die Setter | |
| Yearly salary | $33,380 | $37,673 |
| Hourly rate | $16.05 | $18.11 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 24,674 | 3,399 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A composite technician specializes in producing and repairing composite materials, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities include coordinating with engineers and specialists, studying designs and diagrams, operating machines and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize workflow. In a company setting, a composite technician is also in charge of producing progress reports, preparing and processing documentation, and providing technical support to staff. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members, adhering to the company's policies and regulations at all times.
In manufacturing facilities, a die setter is primarily in charge of setting up machines and equipment, selecting and utilizing various tools, preparing molds, gathering measurements and analyzing data, keeping records, monitoring the operations of machinery, and processing products according to protocols. They may also conduct regular maintenance checks, troubleshoot errors, perform basic repairs or adjustments, and produce regular reports for managers. Moreover, a die setter usually works in a team setting, which requires an open and transparent communication line for an efficient workflow.
Composite technicians and die setters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Composite Technician | Die Setter | |
| Average salary | $33,380 | $37,673 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $43,000 | Between $29,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lincoln, NE | Woodbury, MN |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Aurora Flight Sciences | German American Chamber of Commerce |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a composite technician and a die setter in terms of educational background:
| Composite Technician | Die Setter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between composite technicians' and die setters' demographics:
| Composite Technician | Die Setter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 8.4% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 7.2% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |