Experimental machinist vs machinist mate

The differences between experimental machinists and machinist mates 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 machinist mate. Additionally, a machinist mate has an average salary of $44,530, 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 machinist mate are auxiliary machinery, air compressors, and engine room.

Experimental machinist vs machinist mate overview

	Experimental Machinist	Machinist Mate
Yearly salary	$44,108	$44,530
Hourly rate	$21.21	$21.41
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	9,128	9,333
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 35%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Experimental machinist vs machinist mate salary

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

	Experimental Machinist	Machinist Mate
Average salary	$44,108	$44,530
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $58,000	Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between experimental machinist and machinist mate education

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

	Experimental Machinist	Machinist Mate
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Engineering
Most common college	-	-

Experimental machinist vs machinist mate demographics

Here are the differences between experimental machinists' and machinist mates' demographics:

	Experimental Machinist	Machinist Mate
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 98.6% Female, 1.4%	Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1%
Race ratio	Black 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, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between experimental machinist and machinist mate 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.

Machinist mate example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Work on F/A-18 aircraft changing, ordering, troubleshooting and replacing parts for the engines.
Maintain refrigerating and air conditioning plants, ventilating blowers, pumps, and machine shop equipment.
Operate and maintain 4 aircraft elevators and 2 hangar bay divisional doors on the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Operate and maintain main engines and all associate pumps, purifiers and condensers, including evaporator water purifier systems.
Set up and operate conventional lathes, mills, grinders and blast valves in preparation for repair and painting.

Experimental machinist vs machinist mate skills

Common experimental machinist skills

CNC, 30%
Haas, 11%
Machine Shop, 10%
Jigs, 8%
Mastercam, 8%
Grinders, 6%

Common machinist mate skills

Auxiliary Machinery, 7%
Air Compressors, 7%
Engine Room, 7%
Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Auxiliary Equipment, 6%
Corrective Maintenance, 5%

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Experimental Machinist
Experimental Machinist vs Machinist Mate

Updated January 8, 2025

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