Production
Machinist
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.
Median pay
$58,750
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
26,100
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Machinist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Machinist: 44% usually work over 40 hours a week
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.
Also called: 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
Outlook and AI
Machinists held 288,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 291,200 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Machinist vs. Computer numerically controlled tool operator
- Machinist vs. Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Machinist vs. Tool and die makers
- Machinist vs. Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Machinist vs. Computer numerically controlled tool programmer
- Machinist vs. Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Machinist vs. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
- Machinist vs. Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
- Machinist vs. Millwright
- Machinist vs. Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders