Parachute rigger vs tool maker

The differences between parachute riggers and tool makers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $47,761 average annual salary of a parachute rigger.

The top three skills for a parachute rigger include extraction, parachutes and survival equipment. The most important skills for a tool maker are grinders, jigs, and hand tools.

Parachute rigger vs tool maker overview

	Parachute Rigger	Tool Maker
Yearly salary	$47,761	$52,443
Hourly rate	$22.96	$25.21
Growth rate	-	1%
Number of jobs	324	18,166
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	Associate Degree, 37%
Average age	43	54
Years of experience	-	6

Parachute rigger vs tool maker salary

Parachute riggers and tool makers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Parachute Rigger	Tool Maker
Average salary	$47,761	$52,443
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $94,000	Between $40,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Sterling Heights, MI
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	General Electric
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between parachute rigger and tool maker education

There are a few differences between a parachute rigger and a tool maker in terms of educational background:

	Parachute Rigger	Tool Maker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	Associate Degree, 37%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	-

Parachute rigger vs tool maker demographics

Here are the differences between parachute riggers' and tool makers' demographics:

	Parachute Rigger	Tool Maker
Average age	43	54
Gender ratio	Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.2% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	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	4%	3%

Differences between parachute rigger and tool maker duties and responsibilities

Parachute rigger example responsibilities.

Test and install extraction and release systems; and at prescribe intervals to determine serviceability.
Load supply bundles and configure them for aerial drops into combat zones.
Script GUI and other specific tools to help during the rigging process using python and C++ in Maya.
Assemble airdrop platform, cushioning materials, cargo, extraction and personnel parachute along with other airdrop relate equipment.
Perform safety briefing for each combat support team for jumping by raising awareness about work area and environmental hazards.
Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, jacks, verse lifts, and trucks.

Tool maker example responsibilities.

Programme setup and run cnc lathe).
Weld parts to customer prints with both MIG and TIG welders.
Used cad to machine parts to spec, construct assemblies, and fixtures.
Train and assist others with the use of the CAD/CAM software (Surfcam).
Lift, position, and secure machine parts on surface plates or worktables using hoists.
Design and build press brake tooling, robotic weld fixtures, weld and inspection fixtures.

Parachute rigger vs tool maker skills

Common parachute rigger skills

Extraction, 48%
Parachutes, 24%
Survival Equipment, 10%
Oxygen Equipment, 4%
FAA, 3%
Combat, 3%

Common tool maker skills

Grinders, 12%
Jigs, 12%
Hand Tools, 8%
Machine Tools, 7%
Calipers, 5%
CNC Machines, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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