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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.
Other titles employers use
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
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and analytical work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Design
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Problem Sensitivity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.5 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.8 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 51%
- High school or less 49%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 26,180
- Job openings each year
- 2,550
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 1.0%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 26,180 | 2,550 | 1.0% |
| Michigan | 23,830 | 2,300 | — |
| California | 21,700 | 2,140 | 4.3% |
| Illinois | 21,460 | 2,120 | 4.3% |
| Indiana | 20,880 | 2,070 | 5.3% |
| Texas | 20,520 | 2,100 | 11.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 13,360 | 1,320 | 3.3% |
| Minnesota | 12,720 | 1,280 | 7.5% |
| North Carolina | 11,240 | 1,140 | 10.2% |
| New York | 11,150 | 0 | −5.3% |
| Tennessee | 10,510 | 1,090 | 14.9% |
| Virginia | 9,190 | 930 | 8.5% |
| Wisconsin | 9,130 | 920 | 9.2% |
| Florida | 8,950 | 910 | 11.5% |
| Connecticut | 8,280 | 840 | 9.8% |
| Washington | 7,980 | 860 | 6.7% |
| South Carolina | 7,950 | 810 | 11.8% |
| Georgia | 7,310 | 760 | 14.6% |
| Arizona | 6,440 | 660 | 13.4% |
| Missouri | 6,020 | 600 | 4.5% |
| Alabama | 5,570 | 560 | 8.2% |
| Louisiana | 5,110 | 520 | 9.0% |
| Kansas | 4,780 | 480 | 7.9% |
| Utah | 4,560 | 480 | 21.0% |
| Iowa | 4,320 | 420 | 3.6% |
| Kentucky | 4,300 | 430 | 8.3% |
| Idaho | 4,230 | 450 | 22.6% |
| Colorado | 3,840 | 380 | 6.1% |
| Oklahoma | 3,840 | 380 | 2.1% |
| New Jersey | 3,710 | 370 | 5.4% |
| Oregon | 3,670 | 380 | 13.3% |
| Mississippi | 3,480 | 350 | 10.5% |
| Massachusetts | 2,700 | 260 | 1.1% |
| Arkansas | 2,620 | 260 | 6.9% |
| Nebraska | 2,090 | 210 | 6.6% |
| Maryland | 1,900 | 190 | 1.6% |
| New Hampshire | 1,780 | 180 | 7.2% |
| Puerto Rico | 1,600 | 170 | 15.1% |
| Maine | 1,540 | 150 | −1.3% |
| West Virginia | 1,320 | 130 | 9.1% |
| Rhode Island | 1,190 | 120 | 8.2% |
| New Mexico | 1,080 | 110 | 10.2% |
| Nevada | 990 | 100 | 12.5% |
| South Dakota | 900 | 90 | 9.8% |
| North Dakota | 770 | 80 | 10.0% |
| Montana | 640 | 60 | 10.3% |
| Delaware | 380 | 40 | 8.6% |
| Wyoming | 350 | 40 | 12.9% |
| Vermont | 320 | 30 | — |
| Alaska | 240 | 20 | 9.1% |
| District of Columbia | 80 | 10 | — |
Career to college
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