What is a machinist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A machinist is a skilled worker who operates machinery to manufacture precision metal parts and components. They use blueprints, specifications, and computer-aided design software to produce parts to exact specifications. Machinists work with lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and other equipment to cut, shape, and finish metal parts. Machinists also perform maintenance on machines and tools to ensure they are in good working order. They produce high-quality parts for a variety of industries.

ScoreMachinistUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,147

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.8

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 6.66%

Black or African American 4.40%

Hispanic or Latino 13.87%

Unknown 3.74%

White 70.80%

Gender

female 7.43%

male 92.57%

Age - 49
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 - 49
Stress Level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.3

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.7

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Machinist?

Pros

  • High demand

  • Opportunity to work with advanced technology and machinery

  • Ability to work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical

  • Good earning potential, especially with experience and specialized skills

  • Job stability and security

Cons

  • Exposure to loud noises and hazardous materials

  • Physical strain from standing for long periods and lifting heavy objects

  • Irregular hours or overtime to meet production demands

  • Limited opportunities for career growth without additional education or training

  • Possibility of frustration due to equipment malfunctions production issues

Machinist career paths

Key steps to become a machinist

  1. Explore machinist education requirements

    Most common machinist degrees

    High School Diploma

    40.2 %

    Associate

    25.8 %

    Bachelor's

    15.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific machinist skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Grinders8.85%
    CNC Machines8.64%
    Micrometers7.82%
    Calipers7.78%
    Machine Shop6.09%
  3. Complete relevant machinist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New machinists 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 machinist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real machinist resumes.
  4. Gain additional machinist certifications

    Machinist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific machinist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for machinists include Master Engine Machinist and Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research machinist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
    • Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
    • Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
    • Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
  6. Prepare your machinist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machinist 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 machinist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Machinist Resume templates

    Build a professional Machinist 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 Machinist resume.
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  7. Apply for machinist jobs

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

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

How Did You Land Your First Machinist Job

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Average machinist salary

The average Machinist salary in the United States is $42,147 per year or $20 per hour. Machinist salaries range between $29,000 and $59,000 per year.

Average Machinist Salary
$42,147 Yearly
$20.26 hourly

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How do machinists rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Machinist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023
Pros

rewarding upon job completion

Cons

most places don't pay enough for outside machinist. always negotiate


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Cons

The pay.


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5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Constant Challenge making each day unique and fun. Not hard physical labor but mentally challenging. Constantly evolving skillset in an industry that is always changing and growing.

Cons

Some places are straight production shops and there will be limited opportunities to grow in them. When you make a mistake it can be huge and cost 10s of thousands of dollars to fix so you are often on edge.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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