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Career overview · SOC 51-4041

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.

Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist) · Gear Machinist · Machine Repair Person · Machinist · Maintenance Machinist

Median pay (national)
$56,150
$38,100–$78,760 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
298,790
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
0%
~29,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for machinists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $78,760 versus $38,100 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $56,150 leaves roughly 40% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change 0% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 29,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $101,810, +81% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $28,330 — a 259% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags G-code, Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Active Learning
  • Writing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  • Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
  • Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
  • Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
  • Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
  • Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
  • Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.

Tools & technology

  • G-code
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • SAP software
  • 3D Printing software
  • Armchair Machinist software
  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
  • CNC Mastercam
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • EditCNC
  • ERP software
  • GRZ Software MeshCAM
  • Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS

Knowledge areas

  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical
  • Production and Processing
  • Design
  • Engineering and Technology
  • English Language
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics