Journeyman machinist vs tool maker

The differences between journeyman machinists and tool makers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a journeyman machinist, becoming a tool maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $50,598 average annual salary of a journeyman machinist.

The top three skills for a journeyman machinist include manual lathes, grinders and hand tools. The most important skills for a tool maker are grinders, jigs, and hand tools.

Journeyman machinist vs tool maker overview

	Journeyman Machinist	Tool Maker
Yearly salary	$50,598	$52,443
Hourly rate	$24.33	$25.21
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	13,800	18,166
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 37%
Average age	48	54
Years of experience	4	6

Journeyman machinist vs tool maker salary

Journeyman machinists and tool makers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Journeyman Machinist	Tool Maker
Average salary	$50,598	$52,443
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $69,000	Between $40,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Sterling Heights, MI
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	General Electric
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between journeyman machinist and tool maker education

There are a few differences between a journeyman machinist and a tool maker in terms of educational background:

	Journeyman Machinist	Tool Maker
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 37%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Journeyman machinist vs tool maker demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman machinists' and tool makers' demographics:

	Journeyman Machinist	Tool Maker
Average age	48	54
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.5% 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, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between journeyman machinist and tool maker duties and responsibilities

Journeyman machinist example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Use CMM for 1st article inspection.
Inspect parts off cmm and adjust offsets accordingly.
Experience using micrometers, calipers, indicators, and other precision measuring tools.
Used micrometers, calipers, probing systems to verify precise measurements and make accurate cuts.
Plan, design, engineer, fabricate new tools, jigs, fixtures and hot form bending dies.

Tool maker example responsibilities.

Programme setup and run cnc lathe).
Weld parts to customer prints with both MIG and TIG welders.
Used cad to machine parts to spec, construct assemblies, and fixtures.
Train and assist others with the use of the CAD/CAM software (Surfcam).
Lift, position, and secure machine parts on surface plates or worktables using hoists.
Design and build press brake tooling, robotic weld fixtures, weld and inspection fixtures.

Journeyman machinist vs tool maker skills

Common journeyman machinist skills

Manual Lathes, 12%
Grinders, 9%
Hand Tools, 7%
CNC Vertical, 7%
Calipers, 5%
Machine Shop Equipment, 4%

Common tool maker skills

Grinders, 12%
Jigs, 12%
Hand Tools, 8%
Machine Tools, 7%
Calipers, 5%
CNC Machines, 5%