Head machinist vs machinist supervisor

The differences between head machinists and machinist supervisors 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 supervisor. Additionally, a machinist supervisor has an average salary of $52,353, 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 machinist supervisor are operate cnc, aluminum, and manual lathes.

Head machinist vs machinist supervisor overview

	Head Machinist	Machinist Supervisor
Yearly salary	$46,416	$52,353
Hourly rate	$22.32	$25.17
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	10,004
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 38%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs machinist supervisor salary

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

	Head Machinist	Machinist Supervisor
Average salary	$46,416	$52,353
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $39,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between head machinist and machinist supervisor education

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

	Head Machinist	Machinist Supervisor
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 38%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs machinist supervisor demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Machinist Supervisor
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5%
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, 14.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and machinist supervisor 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 supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage and perform programming of CNC mills, lathes and EDM equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems.
Inspect first piece using calipers, micrometers, height stand, CMM, pins and gauges.
Perform prototype machining of laser optic system components.
Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
Subject matter expert on AutoCAD assisting engineers with mechanical parts design and design modifications.

Head machinist vs machinist supervisor skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common machinist supervisor skills

Operate CNC, 23%
Aluminum, 20%
Manual Lathes, 17%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Machine Shop Equipment, 4%
CNC Machines, 3%