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The differences between manual machinists and tool technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a manual machinist, becoming a tool technician takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a manual machinist has an average salary of $48,038, which is higher than the $42,908 average annual salary of a tool technician.
The top three skills for a manual machinist include grinders, calipers and CNC. The most important skills for a tool technician are grinders, hand tools, and CNC.
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.
Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties. They must provide support for CNC operators by setting up the caliper and micrometer of all the CNC machines. Tool technicians must also assist coworkers in ordering materials and purchasing machine parts.
Manual machinists and tool technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manual Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Average salary | $48,038 | $42,908 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $64,000 | Between $29,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Fort Wayne, IN |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | Indiana |
| Best paying company | Empower | Rivian |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a manual machinist and a tool technician in terms of educational background:
| Manual Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between manual machinists' and tool technicians' demographics:
| Manual Machinist | Tool Technician | |
| Average age | 48 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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% |