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Manual machinist vs senior machinist

The differences between manual machinists and senior 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 manual machinist and a senior machinist. Additionally, a senior machinist has an average salary of $50,435, which is higher than the $48,038 average annual salary of a manual machinist.

The top three skills for a manual machinist include grinders, calipers and CNC. The most important skills for a senior machinist are calipers, micrometers, and grinders.

Manual machinist vs senior machinist overview

Manual MachinistSenior Machinist
Yearly salary$48,038$50,435
Hourly rate$23.10$24.25
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs9,14911,739
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 33%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

What does a manual machinist do?

A manual machinist specializes in developing tools and components through machinery. To make this possible, they must perform research and analysis, understand blueprints and schematics, identify the client or project's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and subject products into various quality assurance procedures. They may also enhance existing components by studying their specifications and implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a manual machinist typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a senior machinist do?

Senior Machinist produces components, and complex R&D; prototype machined parts by programming, setting up, operating computer numerical control, lathes, traditional conventional machines, and vertical limits. They maintain safety and quality standards and maintains supplies and equipment. This type of job also supervises employees and student employees. There are duties and responsibilities that they have to take on. Senior Machinist is entitled to provide technical guidance, leadership to faculty and students regarding design, and help them build complex prototypes, frequently requiring the development of new and improved tooling, techniques, and procedure.

Manual machinist vs senior machinist salary

Manual machinists and senior machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manual MachinistSenior Machinist
Average salary$48,038$50,435
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $64,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CA-
Highest paying stateNew Mexico-
Best paying companyEmpower-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between manual machinist and senior machinist education

There are a few differences between a manual machinist and a senior machinist in terms of educational background:

Manual MachinistSenior Machinist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 33%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Manual machinist vs senior machinist demographics

Here are the differences between manual machinists' and senior machinists' demographics:

Manual MachinistSenior Machinist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 96.8% Female, 3.2%Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between manual machinist and senior machinist duties and responsibilities

Manual machinist example responsibilities.

  • Measure and assemble sewing control panel frames of various material (stainless steel, carbon and aluminum).
  • Set up and operation of Bridgeport mills, lathes and surface grinders to produce details for precision ball screw assemblies.
  • Complete fabrication and machine shop work with MIG, TIG and stick welders, manual and CNC mills and lathes.
  • Operate towmotor, and mig welder
  • Perform quality GTAW welding in various positions.
  • Start working for SKF in 2010 and are introduced the aerospace industry.
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Senior machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage tooling responsibilies, provide tool/fixture design and fabrication which improve productivity and consistent quality.
  • Inspect machine parts with calipers, micrometers, dial bores, and CMM.
  • Produce custom tools, jigs, or dies.
  • Experience with GE Fanuc systems.
  • Modify and create tooling using milling machines, lathes, and grinders.
  • Program set up and run mazak mill, and lathes, inspect work
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Manual machinist vs senior machinist skills

Common manual machinist skills
  • Grinders, 10%
  • Calipers, 10%
  • CNC, 10%
  • ID, 5%
  • Machine Shop, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
Common senior machinist skills
  • Calipers, 9%
  • Micrometers, 9%
  • Grinders, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • CNC Machines, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 6%

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