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The differences between computer numerical controller machinists and tool technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer numerical controller machinist, becoming a tool technician takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tool technician has an average salary of $42,908, which is higher than the $41,685 average annual salary of a computer numerical controller machinist.
The top three skills for a computer numerical controller machinist include calipers, micrometers and manual lathes. The most important skills for a tool technician are grinders, hand tools, and CNC.
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,685 | $42,908 |
| Hourly rate | $20.04 | $20.63 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 32,345 | 78,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Average age | 48 | 54 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A computer numerical controller machinist is responsible for operating computer-based equipment, creating new machine components by programming, and evaluating machine blueprints. Computer numerical controller machinists must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry to understand its complexities and define accurate solutions, as well as excellent analytical skills for calculation requirements. Other tasks include interpreting specifications and parameters, monitoring stock inventory, requesting operating tools, verifying accurate measurements, detecting machine malfunctions, and adhering to the safety standards and procedures of the operations area.
Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties. They must provide support for CNC operators by setting up the caliper and micrometer of all the CNC machines. Tool technicians must also assist coworkers in ordering materials and purchasing machine parts.
Computer numerical controller machinists and tool technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,685 | $42,908 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $56,000 | Between $29,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Coon Rapids, MN | Fort Wayne, IN |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | Indiana |
| Best paying company | Amphenol | Rivian |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a computer numerical controller machinist and a tool technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between computer numerical controller machinists' and tool technicians' demographics:
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Average age | 48 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| 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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |