Precision Production
Precision Metal Working
Colleges award this field under 9 named programs, from Machine Tool Technology/Machinist to Precision Metal Working, Other.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 9 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.
- Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.
- Tool and Die Technology/Technician
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate machine tools used in the forming of metal components, as well as the fabrication of special tools, dies, jigs and fixtures used in cutting, working and finishing metal components.
- Welding Technology/Welder
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Covers arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
- Ironworking/Ironworker
- Prepares you to make and install structural, ornamental, and reinforcing metal structures and supports. Covers drafting, technical mathematics, blueprint interpretation, welding, riveting, beam placement, ornamental design, structural reinforcement, crane operation, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, such as lathes, mills, precision measuring tools, and related attachments and accessories, to perform machining functions, such as cutting, drilling, shaping, and finishing products and component parts. Covers CNC terminology, setup, programming, operations, and troubleshooting; blueprint reading; machining; lathe and mill operations; technical mathematics; computer literacy; CAD/CAM systems; shop and safety practices; equipment capabilities; and regulations and laws.
- Metal Fabricator
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to further process ferrous and/or non-ferrous metal plates or shapes, and to manufacture and/or install products as interpreted through technical drawings. Covers trade tools, shop equipment, reading and interpreting blueprints, material handling, welding, thermal cutting, metallurgy, template pattern development, plate and structural fabrication, destructive and non-destructive testing, inspection, shipment preparation and fabrication installation.
- Precision Metal Working, Other
- Precision metal work not listed above.
Also called General Machinist, Machinist
Also called Sheet Metal Worker
Also called Tool and Die Maker
Also called Arc Welding, Flux-Core Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Structural Steel Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding, Pipe Welding, Wire Welding, Industrial Welder, Welder, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding
Also called Ironworker (Generalist), Ironworker (Reinforcing), Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental), Ironworker Reinforcing Rebar, Ironworker Rodworker
Also called Metal Fabricator, Steel Fabricator, Steel Fabricator (Fitter), Structural Steel and Plate Fitter
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Machinists
- Median pay
- $58,750
- Hiring change through 2035
- 1.0%
- Job openings a year
- 26,100
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economyWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
- Median pay
- $53,750
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.4%
- Job openings a year
- 40,300
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Median pay
- $46,330
- Hiring change through 2035
- −10.5%
- Job openings a year
- 13,200
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
- Median pay
- $50,690
- Hiring change through 2035
- −9.4%
- Job openings a year
- 12,500
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing slowlyMultiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Median pay
- $47,180
- Hiring change through 2035
- 0.6%
- Job openings a year
- 11,600
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingStructural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
- Median pay
- $51,330
- Hiring change through 2035
- −6.2%
- Job openings a year
- 4,800
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingGrinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Median pay
- $46,550
- Hiring change through 2035
- −10.8%
- Job openings a year
- 4,500
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economySheet Metal Workers
- Median pay
- $61,800
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.5%
- Job openings a year
- 9,800
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingMetal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
- Median pay
- $45,950
- Hiring change through 2035
- −7.1%
- Job openings a year
- 1,300
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing slowlyExtruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Median pay
- $47,720
- Hiring change through 2035
- 0.7%
- Job openings a year
- 5,400
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingRolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Median pay
- $50,140
- Hiring change through 2035
- −8.3%
- Job openings a year
- 1,900
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career ShrinkingTool and Die Makers
- Median pay
- $64,050
- Hiring change through 2035
- −9.2%
- Job openings a year
- 4,300
To get hiredPostsecondary nondegree award
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Most careers connected to this field involve in-person work. About 61 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Admit rate | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-Idaho ID | 2 | 97% | $6,000 |