Head machinist vs tool technician

The differences between head machinists and tool technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a head machinist, becoming a tool technician takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a head machinist has an average salary of $46,416, which is higher than the $42,908 average annual salary of a tool technician.

The top three skills for a head machinist include calipers, CNC and engine lathes. The most important skills for a tool technician are grinders, hand tools, and CNC.

Head machinist vs tool technician overview

	Head Machinist	Tool Technician
Yearly salary	$46,416	$42,908
Hourly rate	$22.32	$20.63
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,621	78,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	48	54
Years of experience	4	6

Head machinist vs tool technician salary

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

	Head Machinist	Tool Technician
Average salary	$46,416	$42,908
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $61,000	Between $29,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	-	Fort Wayne, IN
Highest paying state	-	Indiana
Best paying company	-	Rivian
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between head machinist and tool technician education

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

	Head Machinist	Tool Technician
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Head machinist vs tool technician demographics

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

	Head Machinist	Tool Technician
Average age	48	54
Gender ratio	Male, 99.3% Female, 0.7%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between head machinist and tool technician 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.

Tool technician example responsibilities.

Use specialize tools and machinery (CNC milling machine, manual lathe, manual milling machine and surface grinders . )
Program and operate wire EDM machine, milling machines, drill presses, surface grinders, lathes and jig grinders.
Perform mig, tig, and stick welds.
Skil welder utilizing TIG, MIG and stick welding processes.
Work on and troubleshoot the press machinery using calipers, micrometers and other precision tools.
Learned to use a TIG welder . )

Head machinist vs tool technician skills

Common head machinist skills

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

Common tool technician skills

Grinders, 11%
Hand Tools, 10%
CNC, 9%
Calipers, 7%
Micrometers, 6%
Jigs, 6%