Career Overview
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 Known As
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist)
- Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- Tool Room Machinist
Alternate Job Titles
- Aircraft Machinist
- Auto Machinist (Automotive Machinist)
- Carbide Operator
- CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Lathe Machinist)
- CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Machinist)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)
- CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Mill Machinist)
- CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Machinist)
- CNC Milling Machinist (Computer Numeric Control Milling Machinist)
- CNC Swiss Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Swiss Machinist)
- Conventional Machinist
- Development Mechanic
- Electrical Experimental Mechanic
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Selective Attention
- Oral Comprehension
- Visualization
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- 3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machines
- Adjustable wrenches
- Angle plates
- Angled feeler gauges
- Anvils
- Arbor presses
- Aviation snips
- Ball peen hammers
- Bandsaws
- Beverly shears
- Binocular light compound microscopes
- Boring bars
- Boring tools
- Brake presses
- Brass hammers
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Standing
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $38,100 |
| Median | $56,150 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $78,760 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 298,790
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,970
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,310
Tool and Die Makers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $63,180
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,620
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $65,670
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.