Head machinist vs lead machinist

The differences between head machinists and lead 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 lead machinist. Additionally, a lead machinist has an average salary of $51,691, 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 lead machinist are cnc lathes, grinders, and calipers.

Head machinist vs lead machinist overview

	Head Machinist	Lead Machinist
Yearly salary	$46,416	$51,691
Hourly rate	$22.32	$24.85
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	10,892
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs lead machinist salary

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

	Head Machinist	Lead Machinist
Average salary	$46,416	$51,691
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $39,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between head machinist and lead machinist education

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

	Head Machinist	Lead Machinist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs lead machinist demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Lead 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, 4.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and lead 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.

Lead machinist example responsibilities.

Manage and perform programming of CNC mills, lathes and EDM equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems.
Experience with cutting different materials (aluminum, titanium, inconel, mild and stainless steels).
Program, edit, and setup of CNC lathe with Fanuc control.
Work machines such as; Haas CNC vertical and horizontal mills and lathes.
Perform gluing, soldering, brazing and gas, arc, welding operations.
Lead setup/ supervisor for a cell of two Haas lathes and two Haas mills.

Head machinist vs lead machinist skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common lead machinist skills

CNC Lathes, 9%
Grinders, 8%
Calipers, 8%
Machine Tools, 6%
Aluminum, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%