Head machinist vs grinder

The differences between head machinists and grinders 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 a grinder. Additionally, a head machinist has an average salary of $46,416, which is higher than the $33,001 average annual salary of a grinder.

The top three skills for a head machinist include calipers, CNC and engine lathes. The most important skills for a grinder are grinders, hand tools, and calipers.

Head machinist vs grinder overview

	Head Machinist	Grinder
Yearly salary	$46,416	$33,001
Hourly rate	$22.32	$15.87
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	3,409
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs grinder salary

Head machinists and grinders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Head Machinist	Grinder
Average salary	$46,416	$33,001
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state	-	New Mexico
Best paying company	-	Kennametal
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between head machinist and grinder education

There are a few differences between a head machinist and a grinder in terms of educational background:

	Head Machinist	Grinder
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs grinder demographics

Here are the differences between head machinists' and grinders' demographics:

	Head Machinist	Grinder
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
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, 14.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and grinder 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.

Grinder example responsibilities.

Machine carbide, harden tool steel, harden stainless steel, and ceramic.
Verify dimensional compliance using micrometers, calipers, ultrasonic testing and similar types of dimensional inspection devices.
Set up and run O.D.
Support for lathes and EDM (i.e.
Grind drills, end mills, taps etc.
Set up and run surface grinder at 200 to 300/ hour.

Head machinist vs grinder skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common grinder skills

Grinders, 20%
Hand Tools, 12%
Calipers, 8%
Grinding Machines, 7%
Grinding Wheels, 7%
CNC, 6%