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Precision machinist vs machinist apprentice

The differences between precision machinists and machinist apprentices 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 machinist apprentice. Additionally, a precision machinist has an average salary of $51,634, which is higher than the $37,681 average annual salary of a machinist apprentice.

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

Precision machinist vs machinist apprentice overview

Precision MachinistMachinist Apprentice
Yearly salary$51,634$37,681
Hourly rate$24.82$18.12
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs9,28121,288
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

Precision machinist vs machinist apprentice salary

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

Precision MachinistMachinist Apprentice
Average salary$51,634$37,681
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $68,000Between $30,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between precision machinist and machinist apprentice education

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

Precision MachinistMachinist Apprentice
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Precision machinist vs machinist apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between precision machinists' and machinist apprentices' demographics:

Precision MachinistMachinist Apprentice
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 94.9% Female, 5.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between precision machinist and machinist apprentice 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.
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Machinist apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Design and construct intricate EDM electrodes.
  • Set up and operate Mazak machining centers.
  • Work with manual lathe, mill and EDM to repair parts for production.
  • Set up and operate CNC and manual machining equipment for high precision aerospace components.
  • Develop various forms and procedures to assure the machine shop are operating effectively and maintaining ISO certification.
  • Use blueprints to create molds using stick and tig welders.
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Precision machinist vs machinist apprentice skills

Common precision machinist skills
  • CNC, 31%
  • Grinders, 12%
  • Calipers, 6%
  • G Code, 5%
  • Manual Machines, 5%
  • Machine Shop Equipment, 5%
Common machinist apprentice skills
  • CNC Lathes, 23%
  • Grinders, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Math, 5%
  • Drill Press, 4%

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