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The differences between machinists and mold makers 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 mold maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mold maker has an average salary of $48,841, 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 mold maker are grinders, plastic injection molds, and cnc machines.
| Machinist | Mold Maker | |
| Yearly salary | $42,147 | $48,841 |
| Hourly rate | $20.26 | $23.48 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 15,448 | 13,896 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 3 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Average age | 48 | 54 |
| 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.
A Mold Maker creates, adjusts, inspects, maintains, and repairs molds and production equipment. They use various machines, such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and jig borders.
Machinists and mold makers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Mold Maker | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $48,841 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $34,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Monterey, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Vicor |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a mold maker in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Mold Maker | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machinists' and mold makers' demographics:
| Machinist | Mold Maker | |
| Average age | 48 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| 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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |