Machinist
A machinist is a skilled professional who operates a range of machines to cut, shape, and finish raw materials, predominantly metal, into tools and parts used in various engineering and manufacturing projects. The role encompasses both traditional machining—removing material from metal objects—and working with alternative materials such as plastic and wood. Machinists ensure that the products they create meet specific design and engineering specifications through quality control measures.
Typically employed in machine shops, manufacturing facilities, or as independent contractors, machinists often collaborate closely with engineers and designers on projects. The job demands a strong attention to detail, mathematical proficiency, and coordination, as precise measurements and the operation of complex machinery are vital.
Daily tasks may include studying blueprints, creating computer-generated models, and performing tests on finished products. Although many machinists work during standard business hours, evening and weekend shifts can occur, especially when deadlines are tight. Educational pathways for machinists often begin with a high school diploma, supplemented by vocational training or apprenticeship programs, equipping them with the skills necessary for this technical trade.
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Subject Terms
Machinist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Manufacturing
Interests: Mathematics, engineering, metalworking, computers
Earnings (Yearly Median): $49,560 per year $23.92 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Machinists use a variety of computer-guided and hand-operated machines to cut and shape raw metal and other materials into tools and parts used in engineering and mechanical projects. Traditionally, machining is described as the process of removing metal from a metal object, though some machinists also fashion plastic or wooden parts for certain projects.
Machinists also conduct quality-control measurements to ensure that the parts or items created through the machining process conform to the specifications of the designers and engineers. Machining can be considered part of the construction and technical manufacturing industries.
Work Environment. Machinists work in machine shops and specialty manufacturing shops. They may also work in larger factories, completing machining tasks as part of a broader manufacturing process. Machinists may work alone, or they may work in close proximity to or in conjunction with other machinists and manufacturing specialists. Many machinists also work closely with engineers and designers to complete certain tasks. A small number of machinists work independently, contracting their services to designers who require specialized parts for a project.
Occupation Interest. Those interested in a career in machining should be detail-oriented and have some basic familiarity with mathematics. Precise measurement is essential to the machining process, and manual machining requires a high degree of coordination to ensure exact specifications. Machinists need to utilize complex equipment, and a background in metalworking and engineering can be helpful in learning the tasks characteristic of machine work. In addition, modern machinists often use computer-aided machines, so familiarity with computer operations is an advantage to those interested in pursuing a career in machining.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. While some machinists may work on one project at a time, others may work on a number of different projects during a typical day. The daily hours for most machinists vary according to the type of company that employs them, but most machining work can be done during regular business hours. Evening, weekend, and overtime work is common in the machining industry, as it is not unusual for a machining shop to accept contracts with short deadlines for completion.
During a typical day, machinists may spend time studying blueprints or diagrams and creating computer-generated models or schematics for various projects. Machinists also perform a variety of measurements and tests to determine the tolerances and dimensions of the parts or devices that emerge from the machining process. A machinist must dedicate a certain amount of time each day to setting up or calibrating manual or computer-guided machines. Once prepared, a machinist may complete anywhere from one to several hundred projects per day, depending on the complexity of the project. In many cases, machinists may also be required to buff, polish, file, or refine their products after the machining process.
Maintenance Machinists (600.280-042). Maintenance Machinists set up and repair machines, equipment, and tools; fit and assemble parts to make machine tools; and maintain industrial machines.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Machinists may work in a machine shop or on a factory floor. They typically have a workbench or a desk with a computer. Machinists must also have access to a workroom containing a variety of industrial manual and computer-guided machines, which they use to cut, etch, shape, bend, and otherwise manipulate various materials.
Plant Environment. Some machinists work in factory environments, where the machining area is housed near where other workers assemble, decorate, and process the factory’s products. Machining in the factory environment tends to be different, as factories may have hundreds of employees and typically assign each employee a small number of specific tasks.
Human Environment. Machinists typically work as part of an engineering team that may include project managers, engineers, designers, and a variety of others who help to manage the office area or the marketing portion of the business. While some small shops may hire as few as one machinist, in other cases, a machinist may be part of a larger team that works together to complete projects.
Technological Environment.Computer-aided design (CAD) tools allow machinists and engineers to plan products on a computer and translate digital designs into instructions for machines or schematics for construction projects. Modern machinists also use computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) equipment, which can perform a variety of specific tasks, including metal and wood cutting, planing, and routing, with digital guides and plans.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Machinists typically hold a high school degree or the equivalent. Many machinist positions do not require higher levels of education for starting employees. High school courses such as mathematics, drafting, metalworking, and computer science can be helpful for those looking to pursue machining as a career.
Postsecondary. There are a variety of vocational career programs aimed at helping students to pursue a career as a machinist. In addition, some community colleges offer programs for machining, including both computer-aided and manual machining techniques. Generally speaking, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is not required for those seeking to become machinists, but colleges and universities offer courses in engineering, mechanics, and mathematics that provide helpful skills for professional machinists. Those with postsecondary degrees may have an advantage in the job market. Sometimes, prospective machinists pursue their career through an apprenticeship program.
Related Occupations
− Computer-Control Machine Tool Operator
− Industrial Machinery Mechanic
− Tool & Die Maker
Bibliography
"Machinists and Tool and Die Makers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/production/machinists-and-tool-and-die-makers.htm. Accessed 7 Sept. 2023.