Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Machinists
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
- 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.
- Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Machinists machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. They calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
A typical day for a Machinist will also include:
- Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
- Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
- Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
- Check workpieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Machinists also test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of the design. They may also design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Machinists confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information. They might also install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
In addition, they evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
To some Machinists, it is also their responsibility to prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
65% said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Demand for this career is growing fast.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Salary is below average.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Machinists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $29,240 to $35,900 per year or $14 to $17 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $69,050 | $33 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $57,930 | $28 |
Median | $45,840 | $22 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $35,900 | $17 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $29,240 | $14 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Machinists based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Natural Gas Distribution | $96470 | $46.38 |
Scheduled Air Transportation | $89320 | $42.94 |
Local Government | $84780 | $40.76 |
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $79100 | $38.03 |
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $70180 | $33.74 |
Tobacco Manufacturing | $67110 | $32.27 |
Other Specialty Trade Contractors | $64610 | $31.06 |
Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging | $64210 | $30.87 |
Rail Transportation | $63850 | $30.70 |
Federal Executive Branch | $63050 | $30.31 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Machinists work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Machinists including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 92070 | $45690 | $21.97 |
Machinery Manufacturing | 35200 | $47140 | $22.66 |
Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | 24190 | $46420 | $22.32 |
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 22820 | $45880 | $22.06 |
Employment Services | 21350 | $40680 | $19.56 |
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 18910 | $54550 | $26.23 |
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 14680 | $46600 | $22.40 |
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 9170 | $45830 | $22.03 |
Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing | 8590 | $47070 | $22.63 |
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 7790 | $51280 | $24.65 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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