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What Does it Take to Be a Machinist?

Machinist Example 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.

Life As a Machinist

  • Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
  • Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
  • Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  • Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
  • Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
  • Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.

Machinist Needed Skills

Machinists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Other Machinist Job Titles

  • Master Machinist
  • Tool Machinist
  • Maintenance Machinist
  • Instrument Maker and Repairer
  • CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Machinist)

What Kind of Machinist Job Opportunities Are There?

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. There will be an estimated 40,700 positions for Machinist per year.

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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?

Machinists make between $27,050 and $65,360 a year.

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Machinists who work in Alaska, Hawaii, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Machinists make in each U.S. state?

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
  • Kentech Kipware Trig Kalculator
  • Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • CNC Consulting Machinists’ Calculator

How do I Become a Machinist?

Learn what Machinist education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Machinist?

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Machinists Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Machinists work:

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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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