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The differences between mechanics and machinists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a mechanic, becoming a machinist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $42,147 average annual salary of a machinist.
The top three skills for a mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a machinist are grinders, cnc machines, and micrometers.
| Mechanic | Machinist | |
| Yearly salary | $47,149 | $42,147 |
| Hourly rate | $22.67 | $20.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 100,534 | 15,448 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
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.
Mechanics and machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic | Machinist | |
| Average salary | $47,149 | $42,147 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $63,000 | Between $29,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Eugene, OR |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Anheuser-Busch | Westinghouse Appliances Australia |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanic and a machinist in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic | Machinist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanics' and machinists' demographics:
| Mechanic | Machinist | |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 3% |