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The differences between grinders and manual machinists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a grinder and a manual machinist. Additionally, a manual machinist has an average salary of $48,038, which is higher than the $33,001 average annual salary of a grinder.
The top three skills for a grinder include grinders, hand tools and calipers. The most important skills for a manual machinist are grinders, calipers, and CNC.
Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes. A grinder must meet with the manufacturer's specifications by making use of shop drawings. Additionally, they may be tasked with repairing any mechanical breakdowns on the machines.
A manual machinist specializes in developing tools and components through machinery. To make this possible, they must perform research and analysis, understand blueprints and schematics, identify the client or project's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and subject products into various quality assurance procedures. They may also enhance existing components by studying their specifications and implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a manual machinist typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Grinders and manual machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Grinder | Manual Machinist | |
| Average salary | $33,001 | $48,038 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $40,000 | Between $35,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Kennametal | Empower |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a grinder and a manual machinist in terms of educational background:
| Grinder | Manual Machinist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between grinders' and manual machinists' demographics:
| Grinder | Manual Machinist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 3.9% 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% |