CFChooseField
Production

Machinists

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Machinists
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Median pay

$56,150
Median annual pay for Machinists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

29,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

299,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Machinists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Production and Processing
  4. 4Design
  5. 5Engineering and Technology
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Spend Time Standing
  6. 6Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

Representative 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.
  • Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
  • Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.

Software and tools

G-code · in demandMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software · in demandDassault Systemes SolidWorks · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMazak Mazatrol SMART CNC3D Printing software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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