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Mechanist vs machinist

The differences between mechanists and 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 mechanist and a machinist. Additionally, a machinist has an average salary of $42,147, which is higher than the $36,562 average annual salary of a mechanist.

The top three skills for a mechanist include pump equipment, operate cnc and cnc machines. The most important skills for a machinist are grinders, cnc machines, and micrometers.

Mechanist vs machinist overview

MechanistMachinist
Yearly salary$36,562$42,147
Hourly rate$17.58$20.26
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs3,74615,448
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

Mechanist vs machinist salary

Mechanists and machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

MechanistMachinist
Average salary$36,562$42,147
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $52,000Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-Eugene, OR
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Westinghouse Appliances Australia
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between mechanist and machinist education

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

MechanistMachinist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Mechanist vs machinist demographics

Here are the differences between mechanists' and machinists' demographics:

MechanistMachinist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.4% Female, 5.6%Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage3%3%

Differences between mechanist and machinist duties and responsibilities

Mechanist example responsibilities.

  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
  • Appraise and diagnose problems with locomotives.
  • Service and overhaul locomotives as required.

Machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
  • Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
  • Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
  • Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
  • Emphasize the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
  • Operate manual/CNC lathes and used industry standard measuring equipment including manual/digital calipers, manual/digital micrometers and optical comparators
  • Show more

Mechanist vs machinist skills

Common mechanist skills
  • Pump Equipment, 28%
  • Operate CNC, 26%
  • CNC Machines, 14%
  • Diesel Engines, 13%
  • Drill Press, 10%
  • RAN, 10%
Common machinist skills
  • Grinders, 9%
  • CNC Machines, 9%
  • Micrometers, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Machine Shop, 6%
  • CNC Lathes, 6%

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