Head machinist vs aviation machinist mate

The differences between head machinists and aviation 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 a head machinist and an aviation machinist mate. Additionally, an aviation machinist mate has an average salary of $49,226, which is higher than the $46,416 average annual salary of a head machinist.

The top three skills for a head machinist include calipers, CNC and engine lathes. The most important skills for an aviation machinist mate are troubleshoot, fuel systems, and lubrication systems.

Head machinist vs aviation machinist mate overview

	Head Machinist	Aviation Machinist Mate
Yearly salary	$46,416	$49,226
Hourly rate	$22.32	$23.67
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	9,663
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs aviation machinist mate salary

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

	Head Machinist	Aviation Machinist Mate
Average salary	$46,416	$49,226
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $35,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between head machinist and aviation machinist mate education

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

	Head Machinist	Aviation Machinist Mate
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Aviation
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs aviation machinist mate demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Aviation Machinist Mate
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.3% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and aviation machinist mate duties and responsibilities

Head machinist example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Work closely with management and engineering staff to ensure efficient and safe methods are utilized in producing high quality aerospace components.
Perform various machining tasks as well as fabricated, and assemble prototype automation machinery.

Aviation machinist mate example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Train in HAZMAT and tool control.
Provide troubleshooting and repair of engines, gearboxes, and rotor heads.
Order parts for aircraft, tools, training aids, new publications, and HAZMAT materials.
Replace and recondition helicopter components such as engines, rotor hubs, hydraulic system, transmissions and gearboxes and flight controls.
Provide technical support for assembly line and set-up new high speed machines for manufacturing aluminum laminate tubes.

Head machinist vs aviation machinist mate skills

Common head machinist skills

Calipers, 35%
CNC, 30%
Engine Lathes, 9%
Safety Procedures, 6%
MIG, 4%
Drill Press, 4%

Common aviation machinist mate skills

Troubleshoot, 6%
Fuel Systems, 5%
Lubrication Systems, 5%
Ground Support Equipment, 5%
Unscheduled Maintenance, 4%
Routine Maintenance, 4%

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Head Machinist
Head Machinist vs Aviation Machinist Mate

Updated January 8, 2025

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