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Surface grinder vs machinist

The differences between surface grinders and machinists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machinist has an average salary of $42,147, which is higher than the $40,330 average annual salary of a surface grinder.

The top three skills for a surface grinder include grinders, micrometers and manual lathes. The most important skills for a machinist are grinders, cnc machines, and micrometers.

Surface grinder vs machinist overview

Surface GrinderMachinist
Yearly salary$40,330$42,147
Hourly rate$19.39$20.26
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs4,24215,448
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4548
Years of experience-4

Surface grinder vs machinist salary

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

Surface GrinderMachinist
Average salary$40,330$42,147
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $55,000Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-Eugene, OR
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Westinghouse Appliances Australia
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between surface grinder and machinist education

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

Surface GrinderMachinist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Surface grinder vs machinist demographics

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

Surface GrinderMachinist
Average age4548
Gender ratioMale, 92.8% Female, 7.2%Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 6.7% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between surface grinder and machinist duties and responsibilities

Surface grinder example responsibilities.

  • Operate various grinding machines using calipers and micrometers.
  • sharpen and/or modify form tools, drills, tap, reamers, recess tools, and make step drills
  • Set up and run tracers on the lathe.
  • Operate 30 ton cab cranes.
  • Maintain and service the ANCA CNC grinder.
  • Enter program and dimensions into machine using Fanuc CNC controller.
  • Show more

Machinist example responsibilities.

  • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
  • Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
  • Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
  • Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
  • Emphasize the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
  • Operate manual/CNC lathes and used industry standard measuring equipment including manual/digital calipers, manual/digital micrometers and optical comparators
  • Show more

Surface grinder vs machinist skills

Common surface grinder skills
  • Grinders, 16%
  • Micrometers, 12%
  • Manual Lathes, 10%
  • Calipers, 10%
  • CNC Machines, 8%
  • Grinding Wheels, 7%
Common machinist skills
  • Grinders, 9%
  • CNC Machines, 9%
  • Micrometers, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Machine Shop, 6%
  • CNC Lathes, 6%

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