I come into work, power up my machine, and go over what my day is going to look like and what I want to get done that day. I'm given projects but I do most of the start-to-finish planning on my own. This includes determining which tools I need, what the time window looks like, and planning all steps involved. I then get to work on the project. I have to constantly look over everything and make sure I'm double checking the work to prevent mistakes.
CAREER
Machinists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$45,840
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+4.2% (slower than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
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.
Other Job Titles Machinists May Have
CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), Gear Machinist, Machine Repair Person, Machinist, Maintenance Machinist, Manual Lathe Machinist, Production Machinist, Tool Room Machinist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Machinists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (44%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Machine Technology
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Attention to detail is critical in my position because if I'm not constantly looking over everything and triple checking the process, the machines and tools can break.
You have to be comfortable working independently. When you work at a certain level of skill, you become the expert and have to take responsibility for all that comes with that. Be a good problem solver. You have to be willing to constantly learn new things.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
Look into trade schools and certification programs. I've found that these options have a more direct delivery into careers than some other options.
Be open to pursuing a career in a trade. There is such a demand for workers and not enough supply. College and a 4-year degree are not your only options. Explore what alternatives are available to you and what path would best suit your goals.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
