Precision machinist vs grinder

The differences between precision machinists and grinders 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 grinder. Additionally, a precision machinist has an average salary of $51,634, which is higher than the $33,001 average annual salary of a grinder.

The top three skills for a precision machinist include CNC, grinders and calipers. The most important skills for a grinder are grinders, hand tools, and calipers.

Precision machinist vs grinder overview

	Precision Machinist	Grinder
Yearly salary	$51,634	$33,001
Hourly rate	$24.82	$15.87
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	9,281	3,409
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	4

Precision machinist vs grinder salary

Precision machinists and grinders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Precision Machinist	Grinder
Average salary	$51,634	$33,001
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $68,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Tualatin, OR
Highest paying state	-	New Mexico
Best paying company	-	Kennametal
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between precision machinist and grinder education

There are a few differences between a precision machinist and a grinder in terms of educational background:

	Precision Machinist	Grinder
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Precision machinist vs grinder demographics

Here are the differences between precision machinists' and grinders' demographics:

	Precision Machinist	Grinder
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
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, 14.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between precision machinist and grinder 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.

Grinder example responsibilities.

Machine carbide, harden tool steel, harden stainless steel, and ceramic.
Verify dimensional compliance using micrometers, calipers, ultrasonic testing and similar types of dimensional inspection devices.
Set up and run O.D.
Support for lathes and EDM (i.e.
Grind drills, end mills, taps etc.
Set up and run surface grinder at 200 to 300/ hour.

Precision machinist vs grinder skills

Common precision machinist skills

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

Common grinder skills

Grinders, 20%
Hand Tools, 12%
Calipers, 8%
Grinding Machines, 7%
Grinding Wheels, 7%
CNC, 6%