Head machinist vs senior machinist

The differences between head machinists and senior 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 senior machinist. Additionally, a senior machinist has an average salary of $50,435, 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 senior machinist are calipers, micrometers, and grinders.

Head machinist vs senior machinist overview

	Head Machinist	Senior Machinist
Yearly salary	$46,416	$50,435
Hourly rate	$22.32	$24.25
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	11,739
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	Associate Degree, 33%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Head machinist vs senior machinist salary

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

	Head Machinist	Senior Machinist
Average salary	$46,416	$50,435
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between head machinist and senior machinist education

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

	Head Machinist	Senior Machinist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	Associate Degree, 33%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs senior machinist demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Senior Machinist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
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, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and senior 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.

Senior machinist example responsibilities.

Manage tooling responsibilies, provide tool/fixture design and fabrication which improve productivity and consistent quality.
Inspect machine parts with calipers, micrometers, dial bores, and CMM.
Produce custom tools, jigs, or dies.
Experience with GE Fanuc systems.
Modify and create tooling using milling machines, lathes, and grinders.
Program set up and run mazak mill, and lathes, inspect work

Head machinist vs senior machinist skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common senior machinist skills

Calipers, 9%
Micrometers, 9%
Grinders, 8%
Hand Tools, 8%
CNC Machines, 8%
Machine Tools, 6%