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The differences between machinists and numerical control programmers 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 programmer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a numerical control programmer has an average salary of $52,754, 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 numerical control programmer are cnc machines, g code, and cad cam.
| Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,147 | $52,754 |
| Hourly rate | $20.26 | $25.36 |
| Growth rate | 1% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 15,448 | 44,787 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| 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 programmer is responsible for designing system programs for the technical components used by various industrial operations to function automatically. Numerical control programmers operate machine tools, analyzing its schematics to create a program, and increase the efficiency of its operational properties. They should also have excellent computer literacy as this task requires the programmers to utilize CAD systems, modifying machine instructions with the strategic design plans. A numerical control programmer must be highly organizational, inspecting the accuracy of the program by running diagnostic tests and performing adjustments as necessary.
Machinists and numerical control programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $52,754 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $39,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Glastonbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Cirrus Aircraft |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a numerical control programmer in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machinists' and numerical control programmers' demographics:
| Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| 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, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 6% |