Machinist vs set-up operator

The differences between machinists and set-up 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 set-up operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a machinist has an average salary of $42,147, which is higher than the $39,269 average annual salary of a set-up operator.

The top three skills for a machinist include grinders, cnc machines and micrometers. The most important skills for a set-up operator are calipers, cnc machines, and hand tools.

Machinist vs set-up operator overview

	Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Yearly salary	$42,147	$39,269
Hourly rate	$20.26	$18.88
Growth rate	1%	-8%
Number of jobs	15,448	55,670
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	48	43
Years of experience	4	2

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 a set-up operator do?

A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.

Machinist vs set-up operator salary

Machinists and set-up operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Average salary	$42,147	$39,269
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $59,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Eugene, OR	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	New York
Best paying company	Westinghouse Appliances Australia	Schneider Electric Industrial Services
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between machinist and set-up operator education

There are a few differences between a machinist and a set-up operator in terms of educational background:

	Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Machinist vs set-up operator demographics

Here are the differences between machinists' and set-up operators' demographics:

	Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Average age	48	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%
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, 4.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	3%	6%

Differences between machinist and set-up operator 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

Show more

Set-up operator example responsibilities.

Manage daily scheduling of production workload to be setup and run on machinery.
Use and replacement of drills, taps, broaches, and reamers.
Manufacture parts according to blueprints, work with stainless steel aluminum, brass and plastics.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders.
Use of exact measuring instruments as CMM, optical comparators, mics, bore gauges and many other tools.
Produce parts from different materials such as cold roll steel, stainless steel, no lead brass and regular brass.

Show more

Machinist vs set-up operator skills

Common machinist skills

Grinders, 9%
CNC Machines, 9%
Micrometers, 8%
Calipers, 8%
Machine Shop, 6%
CNC Lathes, 6%

Common set-up operator skills

Calipers, 9%
CNC Machines, 7%
Hand Tools, 7%
Math, 6%
Quality Checks, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 6%

Machinist vs. similar jobs

Machinist related careers

Machinist related jobs

Machinist jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z