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The differences between numerical control programmers and mold makers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a numerical control programmer, becoming a mold maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a numerical control programmer has an average salary of $52,754, which is higher than the $48,841 average annual salary of a mold maker.
The top three skills for a numerical control programmer include cnc machines, g code and cad cam. The most important skills for a mold maker are grinders, plastic injection molds, and cnc machines.
| Numerical Control Programmer | Mold Maker | |
| Yearly salary | $52,754 | $48,841 |
| Hourly rate | $25.36 | $23.48 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 44,787 | 13,896 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Average age | 43 | 54 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A numerical control programmer is responsible for designing system programs for the technical components used by various industrial operations to function automatically. Numerical control programmers operate machine tools, analyzing its schematics to create a program, and increase the efficiency of its operational properties. They should also have excellent computer literacy as this task requires the programmers to utilize CAD systems, modifying machine instructions with the strategic design plans. A numerical control programmer must be highly organizational, inspecting the accuracy of the program by running diagnostic tests and performing adjustments as necessary.
A Mold Maker creates, adjusts, inspects, maintains, and repairs molds and production equipment. They use various machines, such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and jig borders.
Numerical control programmers and mold makers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Programmer | Mold Maker | |
| Average salary | $52,754 | $48,841 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $70,000 | Between $34,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Glastonbury, CT | Monterey, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Cirrus Aircraft | Vicor |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a numerical control programmer and a mold maker in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Programmer | Mold Maker | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between numerical control programmers' and mold makers' demographics:
| Numerical Control Programmer | Mold Maker | |
| Average age | 43 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 3% |