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The differences between machinists and welders 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 a welder. Additionally, a machinist has an average salary of $42,147, which is higher than the $39,696 average annual salary of a welder.
The top three skills for a machinist include grinders, cnc machines and micrometers. The most important skills for a welder are arc welding, aluminum, and hand tools.
| Machinist | Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $42,147 | $39,696 |
| Hourly rate | $20.26 | $19.08 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 15,448 | 9,463 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 48 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Welders are skilled workers who primarily work on metals and other metalworks. One of the most commonly known activities that welders do is fusing materials that are made of metal. They usually work on buildings, large pipes, and cars. They also fix holes or any other imperfection on metal materials. They do these by applying heat using welding torches or any other special tools that they have. Welders are also responsible for studying blueprints related to the items they will work on, ensuring that all needed materials are available, practicing occupational safety and health protocols, and maintaining the welding tools they use.
Machinists and welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machinist | Welder | |
| Average salary | $42,147 | $39,696 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $29,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Woburn, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a machinist and a welder in terms of educational background:
| Machinist | Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machinists' and welders' demographics:
| Machinist | Welder | |
| Average age | 48 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 93.9% Female, 6.1% |
| 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, 10.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.0% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |