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Experimental machinist vs tool technician

The differences between experimental 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 an experimental machinist, becoming a tool technician takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an experimental machinist has an average salary of $44,108, which is higher than the $42,908 average annual salary of a tool technician.

The top three skills for an experimental machinist include CNC, haas and machine shop. The most important skills for a tool technician are grinders, hand tools, and CNC.

Experimental machinist vs tool technician overview

Experimental MachinistTool Technician
Yearly salary$44,108$42,908
Hourly rate$21.21$20.63
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs9,12878,258
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 50%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4854
Years of experience46

Experimental machinist vs tool technician salary

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

Experimental MachinistTool Technician
Average salary$44,108$42,908
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $58,000Between $29,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City-Fort Wayne, IN
Highest paying state-Indiana
Best paying company-Rivian
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between experimental machinist and tool technician education

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

Experimental MachinistTool Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 50%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Experimental machinist vs tool technician demographics

Here are the differences between experimental machinists' and tool technicians' demographics:

Experimental MachinistTool Technician
Average age4854
Gender ratioMale, 98.6% Female, 1.4%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between experimental machinist and tool technician 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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Tool technician example responsibilities.

  • Use specialize tools and machinery (CNC milling machine, manual lathe, manual milling machine and surface grinders . )
  • Program and operate wire EDM machine, milling machines, drill presses, surface grinders, lathes and jig grinders.
  • Perform mig, tig, and stick welds.
  • Skil welder utilizing TIG, MIG and stick welding processes.
  • Work on and troubleshoot the press machinery using calipers, micrometers and other precision tools.
  • Learned to use a TIG welder . )
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Experimental machinist vs tool technician skills

Common experimental machinist skills
  • CNC, 30%
  • Haas, 11%
  • Machine Shop, 10%
  • Jigs, 8%
  • Mastercam, 8%
  • Grinders, 6%
Common tool technician skills
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%
  • Jigs, 6%

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