Machinists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4041
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
• Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, G-code, Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, 3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machines, 3D Printing software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Tool and Die Makers
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Machinists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.