Career Profile

Machinists

Education HS diploma or less
This is the typical education required for an entry-level position.
Earnings $47,300
This is the typical median salary earned for an entry-level position.

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.

Machinists

Occupational Outlook

For the Rural Capital Area

105

Job Opportunities

Over the next five years, an average of 105 openings per year are projected for Machinists.

+14.8%

Employment Change

Employment for Machinists is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 14.8% between 2023 and 2028.

$22.76

Earnings Potential

An average worker in this occupation is paid $22.76/hour. Entry level workers are paid $16.88, while experienced workers are paid $27.45. The median wage is comparable to average regional wages across occupations.

Local Employment Opportunities

There are 698 Machinists in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 800.

Top 5 Employing Industries, Locally

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

Knowledge Areas

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

Educational Attainment Patterns

The most common level of education for Machinists is HS diploma or less. 0% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.

Sources: BLS   JobsEQ®   ONET