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What is a head machinist and how to become one
Avg. Salary $46,416
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 1%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%
Asian 6.29%
Black or African American 3.93%
Hispanic or Latino 14.52%
Unknown 3.73%
White 71.02%
Genderfemale 0.66%
male 99.34%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Key steps to become a head machinist
Explore head machinist education requirements
Start to develop specific head machinist skills
Skills 
Percentages Calipers 34.74% CNC 29.58% Engine Lathes 9.30% Safety Procedures 6.14% MIG 3.66% Complete relevant head machinist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New head machinists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a head machinist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real head machinist resumes.Research head machinist duties and responsibilities
- Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
- Work closely with management and engineering staff to ensure efficient and safe methods are utilized in producing high quality aerospace components.
- Perform various machining tasks as well as fabricated, and assemble prototype automation machinery.
Prepare your head machinist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your head machinist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a head machinist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Head Machinist Resume templates
Build a professional Head Machinist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Head Machinist resume.
Apply for head machinist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a head machinist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Head Machinist Job
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Average head machinist salary
The average Head Machinist salary in the United States is $46,416 per year or $22 per hour. Head machinist salaries range between $34,000 and $61,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do head machinists rate their job?
Head Machinist reviews
The different machines it takes to get a job done from boring machines,finish hone machine sunnen [cv616] Sunnen block and head surfacer,working on heads, guide work valve jobs surfacing assembly its working on something different from small blocks to big block chevy to fords.
Constant Challenge making each day unique and fun. Not hard physical labor but mentally challenging. Constantly evolving skillset in an industry that is always changing and growing.
Some places are straight production shops and there will be limited opportunities to grow in them. When you make a mistake it can be huge and cost 10s of thousands of dollars to fix so you are often on edge.
I love the complexity and challenging, complex work involved in the Medical manufacturing sector. Mentoring younger machinists and problem solving and being hands on with complex CNC machines, including multi axis machines including 4&5 axis mills and multi axis mill-turn machines.
Updated January 8, 2025
