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The differences between machinists and tool and die 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 tool and die maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tool and die maker has an average salary of $52,956, 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 tool and die maker are CNC, grinders, and jigs.
| Machinist | Tool And Die Maker | |
| Yearly salary | $42,147 | $52,956 |
| Hourly rate | $20.26 | $25.46 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 15,448 | 18,971 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| 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 tool and die maker is responsible for operating various mechanical tools and equipment to create components, metal parts, and other tools for a wide range of industries. Tool and die makers analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble parts and verify dimensions accurately. They also perform diagnostic tests for the items and adjust specifications as needed. A tool and die maker must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the technological and mechanical industries.
Machinists and tool and die makers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Tool And Die Maker | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $52,956 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Syracuse, NY |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New York |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Amphenol |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a tool and die maker in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Tool And Die Maker | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machinists' and tool and die makers' demographics:
| Machinist | Tool And Die Maker | |
| Average age | 48 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| 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, 84.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |