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The differences between numerical control programmers and tool 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 tool maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a numerical control programmer has an average salary of $52,754, which is higher than the $52,443 average annual salary of a tool maker.
The top three skills for a numerical control programmer include cnc machines, g code and cad cam. The most important skills for a tool maker are grinders, jigs, and hand tools.
| Numerical Control Programmer | Tool Maker | |
| Yearly salary | $52,754 | $52,443 |
| Hourly rate | $25.36 | $25.21 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 44,787 | 18,166 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| 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.
The job of a toolmaker is to make precision tools, holding devices, and special guides that are used in the manufacturing process. You will be responsible for repairing, maintaining, and improving jigs, fixtures, and fittings for press tools and all tooling dies, conducting routine regrinding and servicing of tools, and ensuring compliance with all quality standard regulations. In addition, you may be tasked to operate lifting equipment and forklift truck and document die history and other relevant records. You will also be responsible for conducting preventative maintenance.
Numerical control programmers and tool makers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Programmer | Tool Maker | |
| Average salary | $52,754 | $52,443 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $70,000 | Between $40,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Glastonbury, CT | Sterling Heights, MI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Cirrus Aircraft | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a numerical control programmer and a tool maker in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Programmer | Tool Maker | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between numerical control programmers' and tool makers' demographics:
| Numerical Control Programmer | Tool Maker | |
| Average age | 43 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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% |