Precision machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist

The differences between precision machinists and computer numerical controller 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 precision machinist and a computer numerical controller machinist. Additionally, a precision machinist has an average salary of $51,634, which is higher than the $41,685 average annual salary of a computer numerical controller machinist.

The top three skills for a precision machinist include CNC, grinders and calipers. The most important skills for a computer numerical controller machinist are calipers, micrometers, and manual lathes.

Precision machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist overview

	Precision Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Yearly salary	$51,634	$41,685
Hourly rate	$24.82	$20.04
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	9,281	32,345
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Precision machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist salary

Precision machinists and computer numerical controller machinists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Precision Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average salary	$51,634	$41,685
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $68,000	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 precision machinist and computer numerical controller machinist education

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

	Precision Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Precision machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist demographics

Here are the differences between precision machinists' and computer numerical controller machinists' demographics:

	Precision Machinist	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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 precision machinist and computer numerical controller machinist duties and responsibilities

Precision machinist example responsibilities.

Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
Programme, set up and operate Charmille 290f wire EDM with Fanuc controls.
Manufacture plates using CMS mills and Haas gantry mills.
Work on EDM, manual milling, turning and engraving machines.
Conduct close tolerance machining operations utilizing lathes, millers, broaches, and grinders.
Calculate dimensions and tolerances, and machine parts to specifications using lathes, milling machines, and grinders.

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.

Precision machinist vs computer numerical controller machinist skills

Common precision machinist skills

CNC, 31%
Grinders, 12%
Calipers, 6%
G Code, 5%
Manual Machines, 5%
Machine Shop Equipment, 5%

Common computer numerical controller machinist skills

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

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Precision Machinist vs Computer Numerical Controller Machinist

Updated January 8, 2025

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