Computer numerical controller machinist vs machinist apprentice

The differences between computer numerical controller machinists and machinist apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a computer numerical controller machinist and a machinist apprentice. Additionally, a computer numerical controller machinist has an average salary of $41,685, which is higher than the $37,681 average annual salary of a machinist apprentice.

The top three skills for a computer numerical controller machinist include calipers, micrometers and manual lathes. The most important skills for a machinist apprentice are cnc lathes, grinders, and hand tools.

Computer numerical controller machinist vs machinist apprentice overview

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Machinist Apprentice
Yearly salary	$41,685	$37,681
Hourly rate	$20.04	$18.12
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	32,345	21,288
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Computer numerical controller machinist vs machinist apprentice salary

Computer numerical controller machinists and machinist apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Machinist Apprentice
Average salary	$41,685	$37,681
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $56,000	Between $30,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Coon Rapids, MN	-
Highest paying state	New Mexico	-
Best paying company	Amphenol	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between computer numerical controller machinist and machinist apprentice education

There are a few differences between a computer numerical controller machinist and a machinist apprentice in terms of educational background:

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Machinist Apprentice
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Computer numerical controller machinist vs machinist apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between computer numerical controller machinists' and machinist apprentices' demographics:

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Machinist Apprentice
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%	Male, 94.9% Female, 5.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between computer numerical controller machinist and machinist apprentice duties and responsibilities

Computer numerical controller machinist example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using instruments such as micrometers and calipers.
Set up and operate OKUMA CNC lathe and MAZAK CNC lathe to machine various high pressure cylinders.
Have had experience and handle deburr and clipping work on the 446 and lit operations on the drill press of 413.
Fulfill calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.
Verify dimensions of parts machine using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
Verify conformance of finish work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.

Machinist apprentice example responsibilities.

Design and construct intricate EDM electrodes.
Set up and operate Mazak machining centers.
Work with manual lathe, mill and EDM to repair parts for production.
Set up and operate CNC and manual machining equipment for high precision aerospace components.
Develop various forms and procedures to assure the machine shop are operating effectively and maintaining ISO certification.
Use blueprints to create molds using stick and tig welders.

Computer numerical controller machinist vs machinist apprentice skills

Common computer numerical controller machinist skills

Calipers, 7%
Micrometers, 7%
Manual Lathes, 6%
Math, 5%
G Code, 4%
Grinders, 4%

Common machinist apprentice skills

CNC Lathes, 23%
Grinders, 10%
Hand Tools, 7%
Calipers, 7%
Math, 5%
Drill Press, 4%

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Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Computer Numerical Controller Machinist vs Machinist Apprentice

Updated January 8, 2025

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