Machinist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$50,191
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+3.99%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Machinist builds and repairs precisely detailed and sized metal parts used in a variety of tools and appliances. Builds parts following a blueprint or creates original designs.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
- Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
- 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.
- Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
- Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
- Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
- Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
- Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
- Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
- Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
- Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
- Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
- Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
What to expect as a Machinist
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
42% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Machinist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
6246 openings for Machinists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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