Currently, the state and the government vigorously promote cultivating model worker spirit and craftsman spirit. To deepen our understanding of their essence, this comparative study is focused on identifying the similarities and differences between them. By comparing the conditions for creating craftsmanship spirit and model work spirit, their connotative value orientation and differences of external manifestations, it is conducive to present their relations in developing the concept of labor and paying attention to moral cultivation. Moreover, the current study also expands our cognition on the essence of the craftsmanship spirit and model worker spirit, providing us with directions of guidance in practice. It is also insightful for us to build a workforce of skillful and innovative workers