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The differences between machinists and numerical control operators 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 numerical control operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a machinist has an average salary of $42,147, which is higher than the $38,280 average annual salary of a numerical control operator.
The top three skills for a machinist include grinders, cnc machines and micrometers. The most important skills for a numerical control operator are calipers, micrometers, and math.
| Machinist | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,147 | $38,280 |
| Hourly rate | $20.26 | $18.40 |
| Growth rate | 1% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 15,448 | 85,068 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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 numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations. A numerical control operator duties' also include inspecting equipment setup and finished products, ensuring high-quality parts, reviewing blueprints, following client's specifications for making adjustments, and adhering to the safety guidelines and procedures required by the business.
Machinists and numerical control operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $38,280 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a numerical control operator in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machinists' and numerical control operators' demographics:
| Machinist | Numerical Control Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 6% |