Occupation · SOC 51-4041
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.
Median wage
$56,150
$38,100–$78,760
Projected growth
+0.0%
Slower than average
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
298,790
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
476 mapped
Core skills
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringCritical ThinkingTroubleshootingSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessRepairingReading ComprehensionMathematicsEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningEquipment SelectionWritingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisInstructingInstallationNegotiationService OrientationPersuasionLearning StrategiesOperations AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesTechnology DesignProgrammingManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesScience
Knowledge areas
MathematicsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingPhysicsAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeBuilding and ConstructionPersonnel and Human ResourcesTransportationChemistryPublic Safety and SecurityEconomics and AccountingTelecommunicationsSales and MarketingCommunications and MediaForeign LanguagePsychologyBiologyLaw and GovernmentSociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyGeographyFood Production
Technology & tools
3D Printing softwareArmchair Machinist softwareAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk Fusion 360Autodesk HSMWorksCNC Consulting Machinists' CalculatorCNC MastercamComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksERP softwareEditCNCG-codeGRZ Software MeshCAMHexagon Metrology PC-DMISIMSI TurboCADJETCAMJobBOSSKentech Kipware StudioKentech Kipware Trig KalculatorMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareMazak Mazatrol SMART CNCMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOnShapeOneCNC CAD/CAMPTC Creo ParametricSAP softwareSiemens NXSolidCAM CAM softwareVero Software SURFCAM
Representative tasks
Controlling Machines and ProcessesGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsTraining and Teaching OthersProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeWorking with ComputersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeoplePerforming General Physical ActivitiesDocumenting/Recording InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersThinking CreativelyAnalyzing Data or InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCoaching and Developing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers — identify and handle under direct supervision on the shop floor to support basic dimensional checks.Blueprint and engineering drawing fundamentals — interpret basic views and title-block tolerances under technician guidance before beginning a machining operation.Manual lathe and milling machine controls — operate under close direction to produce simple turned or milled features on soft metals within stated tolerances.Machine feed and speed tables — read and apply manufacturer-recommended settings under supervisor instruction during initial production runs.Completed workpieces — measure and compare against a go/no-go gauge or dimension sheet under supervision to identify obvious out-of-tolerance conditions.Cutting tools and tool holders — select and mount following a written setup sheet under journeyman oversight in a vocational or apprenticeship lab setting.Basic shop mathematics including fractions, decimals, and unit conversions — apply to calculate simple part dimensions from a drawing with guidance from a senior machinist.Machine tool lubrication and daily cleaning routines — carry out according to posted maintenance schedules to support proper operational condition of shop equipment.CNC machine control panel — navigate basic functions such as homing, tool offsets, and cycle start under direct instruction during introductory CNC training.Active listening and clarifying questions — use when receiving verbal or written job instructions from a supervisor to ensure correct setup before cutting begins.
developing
Vernier calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators — apply routinely and independently to calculate and verify dimensions and tolerances on completed parts in a mid-volume production environment.Manual lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders — set up and operate with minimal oversight to machine parts to drawing specifications across a range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials.Feed rate, spindle speed, and depth-of-cut parameters — monitor and adjust during active machining cycles to maintain surface finish and hold tolerances within ±0.001 inch.CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion 360 — generate or modify basic toolpaths for two- and three-axis CNC operations from existing CAD geometry in a production shop.Sample parts and multi-view engineering drawings — study independently to determine operation sequences and fixturing requirements before setting up a new job.CNC turning and machining centers — program conversational or G-code routines for familiar part families and verify dry-run execution before live cutting.In-process quality checks — perform at defined inspection intervals using precision instruments to detect and flag deviations before they become nonconforming finished parts.Machine tool preventive maintenance tasks including coolant checks, way lubrication, and filter replacement — complete on schedule to minimize unplanned downtime.Troubleshooting common machining defects such as chatter, tool deflection, and poor surface finish — diagnose cause and apply corrective action using deductive reasoning and production experience.Job travelers and ERP work-order records — update accurately after each operation to support accurate production tracking in a manufacturing facility.
proficient
Complex multi-setup machining sequences — plan and execute autonomously on lathes, mills, and grinders to fabricate tight-tolerance parts from detailed engineering packages without supervisor intervention.Full GD&T callouts including true position, runout, and profile tolerances — interpret and verify on finished components using CMM or precision hand tools in a precision-parts production environment.Non-routine machining challenges such as exotic alloys, thin-walled sections, or interrupted cuts — analyze root cause and implement corrective tooling or parameter strategies independently.CAD/CAM software — develop multi-axis toolpaths, select appropriate cutting strategies, and post-process proven programs for introduction into a live CNC production cell.First-article inspection reports — lead preparation by measuring all drawing-controlled features and documenting results to satisfy customer or AS9100/ISO 9001 quality requirements.Process improvement opportunities including cycle-time reduction and scrap elimination — identify and implement through critical thinking and analysis of production data in a mid-size machine shop.Machine tool alignment, tramming, and geometric accuracy checks — perform and document to maintain equipment within specification across a multi-machine department.Unfamiliar part geometries and ambiguous drawing notes — resolve by coordinating directly with engineers or customers and proposing feasible machining approaches.Control precision and arm-hand steadiness — apply consistently during delicate hand-grinding, deburring, or fitting operations on close-tolerance assemblies.Junior machinists and apprentices — guide informally on setup techniques, measurement methods, and safe machine operation during daily production activities.
advanced
Departmental machining standards, work instructions, and process control plans — author and maintain to govern quality, safety, and throughput across all CNC and manual operations in the facility.Capital equipment evaluation and selection — lead by benchmarking machine tool specifications, justifying investment to management, and overseeing installation and qualification of new equipment.Apprentice and mid-level machinist development programs — design and deliver structured on-the-job training curricula aligned with industry certifications and shop competency frameworks.Complex or high-value component failures — direct root-cause investigations by applying advanced troubleshooting methodologies and coordinating cross-functional teams including engineering and quality.Facility-wide CNC programming standards including tooling libraries, offset protocols, and post-processor configurations — establish and enforce to ensure consistent, error-free production across all machine platforms.Long-range capacity and workflow planning — oversee by analyzing ERP scheduling data, identifying bottlenecks, and recommending staffing or equipment solutions to operations leadership.Customer and supplier technical negotiations — represent the machining function by interpreting engineering requirements, communicating manufacturing constraints, and reaching feasible specification agreements.Continuous improvement initiatives targeting OEE, first-pass yield, and scrap rate — champion using data-driven analysis and structured problem-solving methods across the production department.Shop-floor safety culture and OSHA compliance programs — lead by auditing practices, correcting hazards, and reinforcing risk-aware behaviors among all production personnel.Technology adoption roadmaps including CAM upgrades, automation integration, and Industry 4.0 tooling — define and drive at the organizational level to position the shop for long-term competitive capability.
Also known as
52 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft MachinistAuto Machinist (Automotive Machinist)Carbide OperatorCNC 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 MachinistDevelopment MechanicElectrical Experimental MechanicElectrical Instrument MakerElectrical MachinistExperimental MachinistExperimental MechanicFixture MakerFluid-Power MechanicFour-Slide OperatorGear MachinistGeothermal Heat Pump MachinistHydroelectric Component MachinistInstrument MakerInstrument Maker and RepairerJobberLaboratory Machinist (Lab Machinist)Lathe MachinistLight Fixture MakerMachine FitterMachine Repair PersonMachinistMaintenance MachinistManual Lathe MachinistManual MachinistMechanistMetal MachinistOutside Machinist