Career Profile

Machinist

Education HS diploma or less
This is the typical education required for this occupation.
Earnings $53,900
This is the median salary for this occupation.

Machinists set up, operate, and potentially fabricate or modify a variety of machine tools and parts used to produce precision parts and instruments.

General Information

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. Machinists who primarily program or operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment are classified in Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Programmers (51-9160).

Training Funds Available

This is a Rural Capital Area Target Occupation.
Training and education opportunities are available with eligible providers throughout the state.

Machinist

Occupational Outlook

For the Rural Capital Area

68

Job Opportunities

Over the next five years, an average of 68 openings per year are projected for Machinist.

+19.3%

Employment Change

Employment for Machinist is forecasted to increase significantly more than the regional average by 19.3% between 2025 and 2030.

$25.93

Earnings Potential

The typical worker in this occupation is paid $25.93/hour. Entry level workers are paid $17.02, while experienced workers are paid $30.27. The median wage is comparable to the wage across all occupations.

Local Employment Opportunities

There are 466 Machinist in the Rural Capital Area region. By 2030 this number could reach 556.

Top Employing Industries, Locally

The top industries employing Machinist are Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing, Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing, and Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing.

Knowledge Areas

The top most significant knowledge categories for Machinist include Mathematics, Mechanical, and Production and Processing.

Educational Attainment Patterns

The most common level of education for Machinist is HS diploma or less. 18% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.