Description

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Interests

Realistic
Conventional
Investigative

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Work Values

Support
Working Conditions
Independence

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Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Analytical Thinking
Innovation

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Tasks

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Getting Information
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Detailed Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Technology Skills

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Presentation software
Computer aided design CAD software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Analytical or scientific software

Skills

Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening

Knowledge

Mathematics
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Design

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

These are the certification(s) applicable to Machinists:

Certificate name

CNC Lathe Operations

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Core

Certificate name

Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist

Certifying Organization

Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers

Type

Core

Certificate name

Machining Level I - Grinding I

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Core

Certificate name

Stamping Level III - Setup with Progressive Dies III

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Core

Certificate name	Certifying Organization	Type
CNC Lathe Operations	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Core
Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist	Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers	Core
Machining Level I - Grinding I	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Core
Stamping Level III - Setup with Progressive Dies III	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Advanced
Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Core

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income Percentile	Income
Low (10%)	$NaN
Median (50%)	$NaN
High (90%)	$NaN

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).

Experience	Income
Entry Level	$50,000
Mid Level	$100,000
Senior Level	$150,000

Employability

There are currently 298,000 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 303,000 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 2%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of 2%

Millwrights

Median Annual Income

$62,980

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Construction

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

RealisticConventional

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Median Annual Income

$61,240

Projected Job Growth

-16 %

Career Cluster(s)

Supply Chain & Transportation

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

RealisticConventional

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$47,110

Projected Job Growth

-11 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

RealisticConventional

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$47,200

Projected Job Growth

-13 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

RealisticConventional

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$41,600

Projected Job Growth

+2 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

RealisticConventional

Tool and Die Makers

Median Annual Income

$61,490

Projected Job Growth

-10 %

Career Cluster(s)

Construction

Most Common Education Level

Postsecondary certificate

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

RealisticConventional

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Median Annual Income

$45,350

Projected Job Growth

-9 %

Career Cluster(s)

Construction

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

RealisticConventional

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Median Annual Income

$46,410

Projected Job Growth

-8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

RealisticConventional

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Median Annual Income

$48,550

Projected Job Growth

-9 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

RealisticConventional

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Median Annual Income

$63,440

Projected Job Growth

+15 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

Postsecondary certificate

Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

ConventionalRealisticInvestigative

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).