Mold maker apprentice vs computer numerical controller machinist

The differences between mold maker apprentices and computer numerical controller machinists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a mold maker apprentice, becoming a computer numerical controller machinist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mold maker apprentice has an average salary of $49,696, which is higher than the $41,685 average annual salary of a computer numerical controller machinist.

The top three skills for a mold maker apprentice include grinders, calipers and cnc machines. The most important skills for a computer numerical controller machinist are calipers, micrometers, and manual lathes.

Mold maker apprentice vs computer numerical controller machinist overview

	Mold Maker Apprentice	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Yearly salary	$49,696	$41,685
Hourly rate	$23.89	$20.04
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	13,479	32,345
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	54	48
Years of experience	6	4

Mold maker apprentice vs computer numerical controller machinist salary

Mold maker apprentices and computer numerical controller machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mold Maker Apprentice	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average salary	$49,696	$41,685
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $69,000	Between $30,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	Coon Rapids, MN
Highest paying state	-	New Mexico
Best paying company	-	Amphenol
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between mold maker apprentice and computer numerical controller machinist education

There are a few differences between a mold maker apprentice and a computer numerical controller machinist in terms of educational background:

	Mold Maker Apprentice	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Mold maker apprentice vs computer numerical controller machinist demographics

Here are the differences between mold maker apprentices' and computer numerical controller machinists' demographics:

	Mold Maker Apprentice	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average age	54	48
Gender ratio	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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 Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between mold maker apprentice and computer numerical controller machinist duties and responsibilities

Mold maker apprentice example responsibilities.

Learned all manual tool room machines including, but not limit to, mills, lathes and surface grinders.
Work in the manual machining department with the ability to run various mills, grinders and lathes.
Perform all aspects of producing prototype molds including the use of CAD/CAM software to aid in design and machining.
Operate variety of CNC equipment, programme with Cimatron CAD/CAM software, perform inspection on parts, aid in process refinement.
Coordinate international sample/model making for costume jewelry
Work with Okuma, Fanuc, Cincinnati, Terra, Toshiba & Allen Bradley CNC controls.

Computer numerical controller machinist example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using instruments such as micrometers and calipers.
Set up and operate OKUMA CNC lathe and MAZAK CNC lathe to machine various high pressure cylinders.
Have had experience and handle deburr and clipping work on the 446 and lit operations on the drill press of 413.
Fulfill calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.
Verify dimensions of parts machine using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
Verify conformance of finish work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.

Mold maker apprentice vs computer numerical controller machinist skills

Common mold maker apprentice skills

Grinders, 15%
Calipers, 10%
CNC Machines, 10%
Manual Lathes, 8%
EDM, 8%
Cranes, 7%

Common computer numerical controller machinist skills

Calipers, 7%
Micrometers, 7%
Manual Lathes, 6%
Math, 5%
G Code, 4%
Grinders, 4%

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Mold Maker Apprentice
Mold Maker Apprentice vs Computer Numerical Controller Machinist

Updated January 8, 2025

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