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Instrument maker vs computer numerical controller machinist

The differences between instrument makers and computer numerical controller machinists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an instrument maker and a computer numerical controller machinist. Additionally, an instrument maker has an average salary of $41,702, which is higher than the $41,685 average annual salary of a computer numerical controller machinist.

The top three skills for an instrument maker include CNC, brazing and CAD. The most important skills for a computer numerical controller machinist are calipers, micrometers, and manual lathes.

Instrument maker vs computer numerical controller machinist overview

Instrument MakerComputer Numerical Controller Machinist
Yearly salary$41,702$41,685
Hourly rate$20.05$20.04
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs9,63332,345
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

Instrument maker vs computer numerical controller machinist salary

Instrument makers and computer numerical controller machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Instrument MakerComputer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average salary$41,702$41,685
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $56,000Between $30,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City-Coon Rapids, MN
Highest paying state-New Mexico
Best paying company-Amphenol
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between instrument maker and computer numerical controller machinist education

There are a few differences between an instrument maker and a computer numerical controller machinist in terms of educational background:

Instrument MakerComputer Numerical Controller Machinist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Instrument maker vs computer numerical controller machinist demographics

Here are the differences between instrument makers' and computer numerical controller machinists' demographics:

Instrument MakerComputer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 89.1% Female, 10.9%Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.9% 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 Percentage3%3%

Differences between instrument maker and computer numerical controller machinist duties and responsibilities

Instrument maker example responsibilities.

  • Mount DCS and PLC cabinets and familiar with there systems.
  • Work safely along with all proper ppe, and with NEC, nfpa 70e, and osha standards.
  • Loop checking and control logic simulation from DCS panel to field instruments.
  • Perform instrument quality checks using gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other measuring equipment.
  • Design, machine, and assemble special cutting tools, jigs, and fixtures for holding parts and removing metal.
  • Work independently to machine parts to tight tolerance, design and implement fixtures and jigs while meeting aggressive production quantities.
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Computer numerical controller machinist example responsibilities.

  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using instruments such as micrometers and calipers.
  • Set up and operate OKUMA CNC lathe and MAZAK CNC lathe to machine various high pressure cylinders.
  • Have had experience and handle deburr and clipping work on the 446 and lit operations on the drill press of 413.
  • Fulfill calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Verify dimensions of parts machine using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
  • Verify conformance of finish work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.
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Instrument maker vs computer numerical controller machinist skills

Common instrument maker skills
  • CNC, 18%
  • Brazing, 11%
  • CAD, 9%
  • Grinders, 9%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
Common computer numerical controller machinist skills
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 7%
  • Manual Lathes, 6%
  • Math, 5%
  • G Code, 4%
  • Grinders, 4%

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