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Experimental machinist vs lead machinist

The differences between experimental machinists and lead machinists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an experimental machinist and a lead machinist. Additionally, a lead machinist has an average salary of $51,691, which is higher than the $44,108 average annual salary of an experimental machinist.

The top three skills for an experimental machinist include CNC, haas and machine shop. The most important skills for a lead machinist are cnc lathes, grinders, and calipers.

Experimental machinist vs lead machinist overview

Experimental MachinistLead Machinist
Yearly salary$44,108$51,691
Hourly rate$21.21$24.85
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs9,12810,892
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 50%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

Experimental machinist vs lead machinist salary

Experimental machinists and lead machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Experimental MachinistLead Machinist
Average salary$44,108$51,691
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $58,000Between $39,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between experimental machinist and lead machinist education

There are a few differences between an experimental machinist and a lead machinist in terms of educational background:

Experimental MachinistLead Machinist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 50%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Experimental machinist vs lead machinist demographics

Here are the differences between experimental machinists' and lead machinists' demographics:

Experimental MachinistLead Machinist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 98.6% Female, 1.4%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between experimental machinist and lead machinist duties and responsibilities

Experimental machinist example responsibilities.

  • Design and build tooling, jig and fixtures to accomplish particular jobs.
  • Manage tooling responsibilies, provide tool/fixture design and fabrication which improve productivity and consistent quality.
  • Programme and operate a CNC lathe to produce engine parts.
  • Set and run Prototrack milling machines, Prototrack lathes, surface grinders.
  • Involve in the setup and operation of manual and CNC machines fabricating parts for the space station and space shuttle.
  • Work directly with engineering students and professors in designing and producing prototype components.
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Lead machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and perform programming of CNC mills, lathes and EDM equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems.
  • Experience with cutting different materials (aluminum, titanium, inconel, mild and stainless steels).
  • Program, edit, and setup of CNC lathe with Fanuc control.
  • Work machines such as; Haas CNC vertical and horizontal mills and lathes.
  • Perform gluing, soldering, brazing and gas, arc, welding operations.
  • Lead setup/ supervisor for a cell of two Haas lathes and two Haas mills.
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Experimental machinist vs lead machinist skills

Common experimental machinist skills
  • CNC, 30%
  • Haas, 11%
  • Machine Shop, 10%
  • Jigs, 8%
  • Mastercam, 8%
  • Grinders, 6%
Common lead machinist skills
  • CNC Lathes, 9%
  • Grinders, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 6%
  • Aluminum, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%

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