Machinists

Career summary

Machinists who make or repair parts for cars may be called automotive machinists.

Machinists operate machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, and milling machines. They use their knowledge of metal and tools to make products that are precise sizes and shapes.

For example, they make parts for:

• Industrial machines
• Aircraft
• Cars

Some machinists make large quantities of one part, especially very precise parts. Others produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items.

Before they machine a part, machinists review blueprints, drawings, or written directions. They calculate where to cut or bore into the work piece.

Machinists select the tools and materials for each job and plan the sequence of steps. They set up and adjust machines and specialized tools.

Machinists monitor the feed and speed of machines. Because machining metal products creates a great deal of heat, machinists make sure the work piece is properly lubricated and cooled. To reduce costs, they recycle or reuse metal scraps.

Many machine tools used to produce metal parts are often computer numerically controlled (CNC). CNC machine tools enable machinists to produce more parts in less time. They also enable machinists to produce parts with a very high level of precision. Skilled machinists may also do CNC programming.

Maintenance machinists clean, oil, and maintain the machine tools. They also repair or make new parts for existing machinery. Most machinists confer with supervisors or engineers when there are problems. They may also talk to customers about using different materials, depending on the product.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Automobile Mechanics
• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Numerical Control Machine Operators
• Numerical Control Tool Programmers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Tool Grinders
• Wind Turbine Technicians
• Woodworking Machine Operators

Military careers

• Machinists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to machinists.

• Study blueprints, drawings, or written directions.
• Calculate where to cut, how much to remove, and how fast to feed metal into the machine.
• Select tools and materials for the job. Set up and adjust machines.
• Plan sequence of cutting and finishing operations. Mark metal stock.
• Position metal stock and set controls.
• Operate machines such as drill presses, lathes, and milling machines.
• Monitor feed and speed of machines, lubrication of metal stock, and coolants.
• Make trial run and check completed unit for defects.
• Clean, lubricate, and maintain machinery.
• Sort scrap metal for reuse, recycling, or disposal. Follow company and environmental rules for scrap and waste.
• Advise customers about the materials necessary for different products.
• Repair or make new parts for machinery.
• May program computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery.
• Check new programs with computer simulations.
• Confer with supervisors, CNC programmers, and engineers to exchange technical information.

Common work activities

Machinists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Control machines and processes
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Think creatively
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Evaluate information against standards
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, machinists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They receive instructions from supervisors, but spend a fair amount of time working alone.
• Communicate by face-to-face discussions on a daily basis.
• Are somewhat responsible for the results of work done by other workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others. They must keep their work areas free of debris and maintain their machines.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but on rare occasions work outdoors. Indoor work sites may not have heating or air conditioning.
• Always wear safety glasses and earplugs.
• Are exposed to hazardous equipment and situations that may result in minor cuts and scrapes.
• Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable. They work with machines and equipment that are constantly running.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous coolants and lubricants.
• Work near others. They usually share the same work space with other machinists.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger workers' safety.
• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of machinery.
• Make decisions that affect customers and other workers on a weekly basis. This is because they make most of their decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals on their own, but usually receive some input from a supervisor.
• Abide by strict daily and weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a 40-hour week, but overtime is common during peak production times.
• Usually work a set schedule.
• May work evening and weekend shifts. Many companies are extending their hours of operation.

Physical demands

Machinists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for machinists to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for machinists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Machinists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Machine Shop Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology
• Precision Crafting and Repair
• Tool and Die Technology

Training

To work as a machinist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

A few machinists learn their skills through formal training. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer machinist programs. These programs award an associate degree. Graduates still need additional on-the-job training.

On-the-job training

Many machinists learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. In this situation, you begin as a helper. You gradually learn to operate machines and use machine tools. Training typically lasts at least one year. The length of training depends on the employer.

If you complete a machinists training program, you will still receive on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer and your skills.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be machinists. Training lasts ten to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#will need to check apprentice info, 5/2010 lh. This info ok, 2/9/11 & 3/13/13 & 3/2/15, 4/10/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Fundamentals
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Metalworking
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for applicants who have mechanical ability and can work independently. Employers often prefer skilled machinists or those with technical school training. Employers may prefer applicants who are certified.

Apprenticeship training is required by many employers. However, apprenticeship openings are limited. Applicants may be required to pass an entrance examination before qualifying.

Machinists should have knowledge of industrial quality standards. Pre-employment and random drug testing may be required by some employers.

Tips

Take all math and metal shop courses available at your school. Experience in a machine-shop setting that includes numerical control machines is beneficial. Working as a helper in a shop and then taking vocational technical courses in machine operation can help you decide if the job is right for you. Co-op programs can help you get the needed experience.

Costs to workers

Machinists are required to supply their own tools. Some workers are required to join a union and must pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Machinists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary based on the skill level of the machinist.

Full-time machinists often receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that there will be 131 openings annually due to new positions and 292 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

In Washington, the outlook depends on the stability and growth of manufacturing firms in the state, especially those producing goods made of metal. Many firms have moved into producing composite and plastic parts. Many workers will retire or move to other fields, and companies will need to find skilled workers to take their place. This will create some openings for machinists.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Machinists work in all parts of the country. However, jobs are most plentiful in the Northeast, Midwest, and West, where manufacturing is concentrated.

Major employers:

• Machine shops
• Metalworking machinery manufacturers
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be slower than average. Despite automation and CNC technology, there is still a need for skilled workers to set up, tend, and maintain machines. Machinists are also needed to program machines.

Job prospects will be excellent for trained workers. There is a shortage of trained workers for the number of job openings expected. Job openings will occur as people retire or leave the job.

Other resources

IAMAW: Local Chapter, District #751 
9125 - 15th Place South
Seattle, WA 98108
206.763.1300

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301.967.4500

International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers 
2701 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439
937.298.9984

Precision Metalforming Association 
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Machinists (51-4041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Development Mechanic (693.261-014) 
• Experimental Mechanic, Electrical (806.281-014) 
• Fixture Maker (600.380-010) 
• Fluid-power Mechanic (600.281-010) 
• Machinist (600.280-022) 
• Machinist Apprentice (600.280-026) 
• Machinist Apprentice, Automotive (600.280-030) 
• Machinist, Automotive (600.280-034) 
• Machinist, Experimental (600.260-022) 
• Maintenance Machinist (600.280-042) 
• Rocket-motor Mechanic (693.261-022) 
• Test Technician (019.161-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled