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Machinist vs outside machinist

The differences between machinists and outside 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 an outside machinist. Additionally, an outside machinist has an average salary of $42,858, 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 an outside machinist are hand tools, calipers, and condensers.

Machinist vs outside machinist overview

MachinistOutside Machinist
Yearly salary$42,147$42,858
Hourly rate$20.26$20.60
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs15,44824,075
Job satisfaction54
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

What does a machinist do?

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.

What does an outside machinist do?

An outside machinist specializes in installing and repairing machinery and equipment in water vessels such as ships and submarines. They have a wide range of responsibilities, which typically include understanding blueprints and schematics, fixing and assembling parts, operating power tools, connecting pipe systems, conducting inspections, and providing support to staff as needed. They must also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality and efficiency of machinery. Moreover, as an outside machinist, it is vital to maintain an active communication line with team members for a safe and efficient workflow.

Machinist vs outside machinist salary

Machinists and outside machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

MachinistOutside Machinist
Average salary$42,147$42,858
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $32,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityEugene, ORBremerton, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyWestinghouse Appliances AustraliaOceaneering
Best paying industryAutomotiveEnergy

Differences between machinist and outside machinist education

There are a few differences between a machinist and an outside machinist in terms of educational background:

MachinistOutside Machinist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Machinist vs outside machinist demographics

Here are the differences between machinists' and outside machinists' demographics:

MachinistOutside Machinist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.6% Female, 7.4%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 6.7% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between machinist and outside machinist duties and responsibilities

Machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
  • Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
  • Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
  • Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
  • Emphasize the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
  • Operate manual/CNC lathes and used industry standard measuring equipment including manual/digital calipers, manual/digital micrometers and optical comparators
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Outside machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage other employees to ensure members' needs are met and operations run smoothly.
  • Operate winches, hoists, indoor cranes, and hydraulic equipment.
  • Machine types: Haas and Okuma ,
  • Observe safety procedures and maintain safe work area in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
  • Manufacture and repair shipyard equipment with hydraulic automatic saws, radial drills and surface grinders.
  • Install and align condensers, compressors, pumps, force draft blowers, main feed pumps, and various valves.
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Machinist vs outside machinist skills

Common machinist skills
  • Grinders, 9%
  • CNC Machines, 9%
  • Micrometers, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Machine Shop, 6%
  • CNC Lathes, 6%
Common outside machinist skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Condensers, 6%
  • Shipyard, 5%
  • Evaporators, 5%
  • Ladders, 4%

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