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Machinist vs certified medical technician

The differences between machinists and certified medical 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 machinist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a machinist has an average salary of $42,147, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a machinist include grinders, cnc machines and micrometers. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Machinist vs certified medical technician overview

MachinistCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$42,147$38,859
Hourly rate$20.26$18.68
Growth rate1%5%
Number of jobs15,448164,424
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4844
Years of experience412

What does a machinist do?

Machinists are skilled professionals who create metal works by using different machines. They work with clients to bring their clients' vision to life. They study the blueprints of the product that needs to be done and identify the parts that will need fabrication through machining. They then prepare the materials and equipment. Machinists use different tools such as grinders, drills, lathes, polishers, and milling equipment to create parts that are made of metal. They may sometimes work with other materials such as wood or plastic, but this is seldom. Machinists are expected to be proficient in the use of the machines, to be precise with their work, and can work within the committed timeline.

What does a certified medical technician do?

Certified Medical Technicians are specialists in medical diagnoses by performing laboratory testing and analysis for hospitals and physicians. Their duties include lab sanitization to prepare for testing and collection, recording medical samples for testing, specimen preparation, blood drawing for donation and testing, and assisting physicians with sample collection as well as equipment handling in surgical rooms. They must also understand how to use complex and sensitive testing equipment such as cell counters, analyzers, microscopes, and centrifuges.

Machinist vs certified medical technician salary

Machinists and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

MachinistCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$42,147$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityEugene, ORDenton, TX
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyWestinghouse Appliances AustraliaFavorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industryAutomotiveHealth Care

Differences between machinist and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a machinist and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

MachinistCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingNursing
Most common college-University of Connecticut

Machinist vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between machinists' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

MachinistCertified Medical Technician
Average age4844
Gender ratioMale, 92.6% Female, 7.4%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 6.7% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%8%

Differences between machinist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
  • Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
  • Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
  • Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
  • Emphasize the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
  • Operate manual/CNC lathes and used industry standard measuring equipment including manual/digital calipers, manual/digital micrometers and optical comparators
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Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
  • Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
  • Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
  • Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
  • Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
  • Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.
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Machinist vs certified medical technician skills

Common machinist skills
  • Grinders, 9%
  • CNC Machines, 9%
  • Micrometers, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Machine Shop, 6%
  • CNC Lathes, 6%
Common certified medical technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 12%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Administer Medications, 7%
  • Resident Care, 6%
  • HIPAA, 6%

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