Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between machinists and manual 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 machinist and a manual machinist. Additionally, a manual machinist has an average salary of $48,038, 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 manual machinist are grinders, calipers, and CNC.
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.
A manual machinist specializes in developing tools and components through machinery. To make this possible, they must perform research and analysis, understand blueprints and schematics, identify the client or project's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and subject products into various quality assurance procedures. They may also enhance existing components by studying their specifications and implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a manual machinist typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Machinists and manual machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Manual Machinist | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $48,038 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $35,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Empower |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a manual machinist in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Manual Machinist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machinists' and manual machinists' demographics:
| Machinist | Manual Machinist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |