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Manufacturing51-4041.00Specialization

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.

$50,840
Median Pay
Less than 6 months
Training
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AI-Augmented
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View Metal & Plastic Machine Workers

This is a specialization of

Metal & Plastic Machine Workers

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟡AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

23% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

0% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 10/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09
View full methodology →

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
  • Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Time to Job Ready

1-3 years

Based on Job Zone 3. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360)CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)G-code/M-codeCNC programmingCMM software (PC-DMIS)ERP systemsMicrosoft Excel

Key Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningSelective AttentionNear VisionOral ComprehensionInformation Ordering

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Find jobs and training programs for machinists- Median salary: $51K/year

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Compensation Details

$36,690
10th Percentile
$50,840
Median
$75,820
90th Percentile

Based on 290,720 employed workers

Also Known As

Aircraft MachinistAuto Machinist (Automotive Machinist)Carbide OperatorCNC 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)

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 51-4041.00