Lathe machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist

The differences between lathe machinists 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 a lathe machinist and a computer numerical controller machinist. Additionally, a computer numerical controller machinist has an average salary of $41,685, which is higher than the $39,651 average annual salary of a lathe machinist.

The top three skills for a lathe machinist include CNC, calipers and machine shop. The most important skills for a computer numerical controller machinist are calipers, micrometers, and manual lathes.

Lathe machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist overview

	Lathe Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Yearly salary	$39,651	$41,685
Hourly rate	$19.06	$20.04
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	9,628	32,345
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Lathe machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist salary

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

	Lathe Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average salary	$39,651	$41,685
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $51,000	Between $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 lathe machinist and computer numerical controller machinist education

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

	Lathe Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Lathe machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist demographics

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

	Lathe Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.0% 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 Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between lathe machinist and computer numerical controller machinist duties and responsibilities

Lathe machinist example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Float throughout the shop running multiple HAAS mills & lathes and Mazak Integrexes.
Used calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, thread gauges and other gauging require for the inspection of parts.
Experience working with FANUC controls.
Run and operate Mazak lathes and mills.
Set up and run Okuma lathes and some pm

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.

Lathe machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist skills

Common lathe machinist skills

CNC, 23%
Calipers, 7%
Machine Shop, 6%
Micrometers, 6%
GD, 6%
Grinders, 5%

Common computer numerical controller machinist skills

Calipers, 7%
Micrometers, 7%
Manual Lathes, 6%
Math, 5%
G Code, 4%
Grinders, 4%

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Lathe Machinist
Lathe Machinist vs Computer Numerical Controller Machinist

Updated January 8, 2025

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