Machinists

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $58,750/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$39,200$80,010

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: 0% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.

About 29,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Operation and ControlCritical ThinkingMonitoringOperations MonitoringCoordinationTroubleshootingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingQuality Control Analysis

Top knowledge areas

MathematicsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingDesignEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and Electronics

Core 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.