Machinists
SOC Code: 51-4041Also known as:
Aircraft Machinist, Auto Machinist (Automotive Machinist), Carbide Operator, CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Lathe Machinist), CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Machinist)
Median Annual Salary
$56,150
+0.0% growth (2024-2034)
30K
Openings/Year
300K
Current Jobs
What Machinists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$56,150
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.0%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
30K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
299,500
Projected Employment (2034)
299,600
Related Careers
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Tool and die makers
$63,180 •
-10.8% growth
Computer numerically controlled tool operators
$49,970 •
-10.7% growth
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
$65,670 •
+12.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Machinists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a machinists:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Machinists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become machinists.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do machinists make?
The median annual salary for machinists is $56,150.
What education do machinists need?
Most machinists positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.
Is becoming machinists a good career choice?
Machinists is projected to see +0.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 29,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for machinists?
Top colleges for aspiring machinists include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Northeast Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to machinists?
Machinists may also be known as: Aircraft Machinist, Auto Machinist (Automotive Machinist), Carbide Operator, CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Lathe Machinist), CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Mill Machinist), CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Machinist), CNC Milling Machinist (Computer Numeric Control Milling Machinist), CNC Swiss Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Swiss Machinist), Conventional Machinist, Development Mechanic, Electrical Experimental Mechanic, Electrical Instrument Maker, Electrical Machinist, Experimental Machinist, Experimental Mechanic, Fixture Maker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.