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The differences between machinists and mechanical engineers 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 mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, 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 mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Machinist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,147 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $20.26 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 15,448 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
Machinists and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between machinists' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Machinist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |