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Head machinist vs machinist-set-up

The differences between head machinists and machinist-set ups 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-set-up. Additionally, a head machinist has an average salary of $46,416, which is higher than the $42,559 average annual salary of a machinist-set-up.

The top three skills for a head machinist include calipers, CNC and engine lathes. The most important skills for a machinist-set-up are cnc machines, tolerances, and calipers.

Head machinist vs machinist-set-up overview

Head MachinistMachinist-Set-Up
Yearly salary$46,416$42,559
Hourly rate$22.32$20.46
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs17,62116,993
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

Head machinist vs machinist-set-up salary

Head machinists and machinist-set ups have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head MachinistMachinist-Set-Up
Average salary$46,416$42,559
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $61,000Between $31,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between head machinist and machinist-set-up education

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

Head MachinistMachinist-Set-Up
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Head machinist vs machinist-set-up demographics

Here are the differences between head machinists' and machinist-set ups' demographics:

Head MachinistMachinist-Set-Up
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 99.3% Female, 0.7%Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 13.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 71.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between head machinist and machinist-set-up 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-set-up example responsibilities.

  • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
  • Set up and run CNC lathe with dual spindles and live tooling, run parts with Tol.
  • Experience setting up and running Haas mill production.
  • Program, setup and operation of Haas milling machines
  • Machine parts to quality specifications using Mazak lathes.
  • Turn in first articals and run job to print and customer specs.
  • Show more

Head machinist vs machinist-set-up skills

Common head machinist skills
  • Calipers, 35%
  • CNC, 30%
  • Engine Lathes, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • MIG, 4%
  • Drill Press, 4%
Common machinist-set-up skills
  • CNC Machines, 15%
  • Tolerances, 9%
  • Calipers, 9%
  • Lathe Machines, 8%
  • Grinders, 7%
  • Aluminum, 5%

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