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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.
Avg. Salary $42,147
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 1%
Growth Rate 0.3%
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%
Genderfemale 7.43%
male 92.57%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
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
Skills![]() ![]() | Percentages![]() ![]() |
---|---|
Grinders | 8.85% |
CNC Machines | 8.64% |
Micrometers | 7.82% |
Calipers | 7.78% |
Machine Shop | 6.09% |
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).
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.
Now it's time to start searching for a machinist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
Are you a Machinist?
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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.
What Am I Worth?
rewarding upon job completion
most places don't pay enough for outside machinist. always negotiate
The pay.
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.
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.