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What Does it Take to Be a Machinist?
Position Description Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. 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.
Machinist Responsibilities
- Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
- Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
- Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
- Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
- Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
- Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
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Machinist Required Skills
These are the skills Machinists say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Machinist
- Mechanical Laboratory Technician
- Machinist Tool and Die
- Machinist Class B
- Instrument Maker and Repairer
- Aircraft Machinist
Machinist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 396,200 jobs in the United States for Machinist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,900 new jobs for Machinist by 2026. The BLS estimates 40,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Machinist are Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Machinist Make?
The average yearly salary of a Machinist ranges between $27,050 and $65,360.
Machinists who work in Alaska, Hawaii, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Machinists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $44,550 |
| Alaska | $64,220 |
| Arizona | $48,300 |
| Arkansas | $42,180 |
| California | $47,450 |
| Colorado | $48,210 |
| Connecticut | $50,540 |
| Delaware | $55,210 |
| District of Columbia | $62,950 |
| Florida | $42,060 |
| Georgia | $43,900 |
| Hawaii | $66,840 |
| Idaho | $44,610 |
| Illinois | $41,350 |
| Indiana | $44,110 |
| Iowa | $40,080 |
| Kansas | $42,370 |
| Kentucky | $43,810 |
| Louisiana | $49,160 |
| Maine | $51,040 |
| Maryland | $53,560 |
| Massachusetts | $52,700 |
| Michigan | $41,880 |
| Minnesota | $49,880 |
| Mississippi | $41,730 |
| Missouri | $46,130 |
| Montana | $45,590 |
| Nebraska | $43,360 |
| Nevada | $43,850 |
| New Hampshire | $49,060 |
| New Jersey | $50,160 |
| New Mexico | $53,930 |
| New York | $47,010 |
| North Carolina | $42,870 |
| North Dakota | $52,070 |
| Ohio | $42,910 |
| Oklahoma | $44,700 |
| Oregon | $48,930 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,290 |
| Rhode Island | $48,330 |
| South Carolina | $38,610 |
| South Dakota | $38,140 |
| Tennessee | $45,770 |
| Texas | $46,850 |
| Utah | $49,340 |
| Vermont | $44,210 |
| Virginia | $49,640 |
| Washington | $52,190 |
| West Virginia | $37,680 |
| Wisconsin | $43,150 |
| Wyoming | $52,160 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Machinists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Machinists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- CNC Mastercam
- ERP software
- Vero Software SURFCAM
- EditCNC
- Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
- Kentech Kipware Studio
- Siemens NX
- SolidCAM
How do I Become a Machinist?
What kind of Machinist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Machinists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Machinist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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