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Machinist vs computer numerical controller supervisor

The differences between machinists and computer numerical controller supervisors 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 computer numerical controller supervisor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer numerical controller supervisor has an average salary of $46,144, which is higher than the $42,147 average annual salary of a machinist.

The top three skills for a machinist include grinders, cnc machines and micrometers. The most important skills for a computer numerical controller supervisor are cnc machines, calipers, and cnc lathes.

Machinist vs computer numerical controller supervisor overview

MachinistComputer Numerical Controller Supervisor
Yearly salary$42,147$46,144
Hourly rate$20.26$22.18
Growth rate1%-5%
Number of jobs15,44847,929
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 30%
Average age4846
Years of experience42

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 computer numerical controller supervisor do?

It is the responsibility of a computer numerical controller (CNC) supervisor to direct and manage CNC operators and machinists. CNC supervisors handle the schedules of the teams and their operations. The supervisors ensure the completion of their work based on the expected delivery dates. They bring balance between team coordination and leadership with machine programming skills and technical knowledge. Their tasks also include CNC machine programming and troubleshooting, and opportunity identification to enhance efficiency.

Machinist vs computer numerical controller supervisor salary

Machinists and computer numerical controller supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

MachinistComputer Numerical Controller Supervisor
Average salary$42,147$46,144
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $33,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityEugene, ORClifton, NJ
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWyoming
Best paying companyWestinghouse Appliances AustraliaGeneral Electric
Best paying industryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between machinist and computer numerical controller supervisor education

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

MachinistComputer Numerical Controller Supervisor
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 30%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college-Stanford University

Machinist vs computer numerical controller supervisor demographics

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

MachinistComputer Numerical Controller Supervisor
Average age4846
Gender ratioMale, 92.6% Female, 7.4%Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage3%6%

Differences between machinist and computer numerical controller supervisor 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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Computer numerical controller supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Set up & operate horizontal & vertical Mazak machining centers.
  • Operate and troubleshoot and repair Fanuc robots and automate assembly machines.
  • Plan, write, and troubleshoot NC part programs utilizing MasterCam X7.
  • Verify dimensions of product with micrometers, gauges, tapes and templates.
  • Operate bridgeport mill, engine lathe, and MIG and TIG welder.
  • Reduce programming cost by creating translation programs within FANUC controls for CNC machinist.
  • Show more

Machinist vs computer numerical controller supervisor skills

Common machinist skills
  • Grinders, 9%
  • CNC Machines, 9%
  • Micrometers, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Machine Shop, 6%
  • CNC Lathes, 6%
Common computer numerical controller supervisor skills
  • CNC Machines, 19%
  • Calipers, 5%
  • CNC Lathes, 5%
  • Math, 4%
  • Hand Tools, 4%
  • Machine Shop, 4%

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