How To Become A Machine Builder: What It Is and Career Path

What is a machine builder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A machine builder's job title is pretty self-explanatory--they build machines. Machine builders can work in manufacturing, processing, or any industrial field that requires new machines or equipment. They need to know how to use hand tools such as saws and welders and larger equipment such as cranes in order to construct machinery. They also need to have physical stamina in order to carry heavy parts around and hold them in place during construction. That does not mean that a machine builder's job is all about brute force. They also need to have the technical knowledge to draw up blueprints and build highly precise machines.

The skills needed to be a machine builder aren't usually learned in a classroom. In fact, most machine builders get by with only a high school diploma and previous maintenance or construction experience.

The demand for machine builders is predicted to go down by 11% because a lot of manufacturing is automated now. However, qualified machine builders can still find work and earn an average of $36,439 a year.

ScoreMachine BuilderUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,658

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.2

Growth Rate -6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 1.86%

Black or African American 9.47%

Hispanic or Latino 4.89%

Unknown 2.37%

White 80.64%

Gender

female 3.02%

male 96.98%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress Level

6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.0

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a machine builder

Explore machine builder education requirements

Most common machine builder degrees

Associate

35.2 %

High School Diploma

31.9 %

Bachelor's

13.7 %

Start to develop specific machine builder skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	13.98%
CNC	6.22%
Mechanical Assembly	5.20%
Assembly Blueprints	5.00%
Mechanical Drawings	4.29%

Complete relevant machine builder training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New machine builders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a machine builder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real machine builder resumes.

Research machine builder duties and responsibilities

Work with grinders, band see, drill press and MIG welder on a daily basis.
Install water manifolds and float switches.
Run and operate all manual mills, lathes and grinders.
Machine parts for new construction and repair jobs on cranes.

Prepare your machine builder resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machine builder resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a machine builder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Machine Builder Resume templates

Build a professional Machine Builder resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Machine Builder resume.

Apply for machine builder jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a machine builder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams