Head machinist vs machinist

The differences between head machinists and 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 machinist. Additionally, a head machinist has an average salary of $46,416, which is higher than the $42,147 average annual salary of a machinist.

The top three skills for a head machinist include calipers, CNC and engine lathes. The most important skills for a machinist are grinders, cnc machines, and micrometers.

Head machinist vs machinist overview

	Head Machinist	Machinist
Yearly salary	$46,416	$42,147
Hourly rate	$22.32	$20.26
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	15,448
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs machinist salary

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

	Head Machinist	Machinist
Average salary	$46,416	$42,147
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	Eugene, OR
Highest paying state	-	Massachusetts
Best paying company	-	Westinghouse Appliances Australia
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between head machinist and machinist education

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

	Head Machinist	Machinist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs machinist demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Machinist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
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, 4.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 6.7% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and 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.

Machinist example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
Emphasize the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
Operate manual/CNC lathes and used industry standard measuring equipment including manual/digital calipers, manual/digital micrometers and optical comparators

Head machinist vs machinist skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common machinist skills

Grinders, 9%
CNC Machines, 9%
Micrometers, 8%
Calipers, 8%
Machine Shop, 6%
CNC Lathes, 6%