Head machinist vs journeyman machinist

The differences between head machinists and journeyman 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 head machinist and a journeyman machinist. Additionally, a journeyman machinist has an average salary of $50,598, 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 a journeyman machinist are manual lathes, grinders, and hand tools.

Head machinist vs journeyman machinist overview

	Head Machinist	Journeyman Machinist
Yearly salary	$46,416	$50,598
Hourly rate	$22.32	$24.33
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	13,800
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	Associate Degree, 36%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs journeyman machinist salary

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

	Head Machinist	Journeyman Machinist
Average salary	$46,416	$50,598
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $37,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between head machinist and journeyman machinist education

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

	Head Machinist	Journeyman Machinist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	Associate Degree, 36%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs journeyman machinist demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Journeyman Machinist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 14.9% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and journeyman machinist 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.

Journeyman machinist example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Use CMM for 1st article inspection.
Inspect parts off cmm and adjust offsets accordingly.
Experience using micrometers, calipers, indicators, and other precision measuring tools.
Used micrometers, calipers, probing systems to verify precise measurements and make accurate cuts.
Plan, design, engineer, fabricate new tools, jigs, fixtures and hot form bending dies.

Head machinist vs journeyman machinist skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common journeyman machinist skills

Manual Lathes, 12%
Grinders, 9%
Hand Tools, 7%
CNC Vertical, 7%
Calipers, 5%
Machine Shop Equipment, 4%