Machinists
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Is machinists a good career?
It scores 14/100 and ranks #545 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 29,500 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (0.0%)
What machinists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. machinists earn between $47,570 and $67,700 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live machinists jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Machinists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; tool and die makers also may need to complete postsecondary courses. High school courses in math, blueprint reading, metalworking, and CAD/CAM are considered useful.
Some community colleges and technical schools have 2-year degree programs or shorter nondegree certificate programs that train students to become machinists or tool and die makers. These programs usually teach design and how to read engineering drawings, the use of a variety of welding and cutting tools, and the programming and function of CNC machines.
Training
Machinists and tool and die makers typically gain competency through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
Trainees usually learn on the job, which may include technical instruction outside of typical work hours. Trainees often begin as machine operators and gradually take on more difficult assignments. Machinists and tool and die makers must be comfortable using computers to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines. Some machinists become tool and die makers.
Some new workers enter apprenticeship programs, which are typically sponsored by an employer. Apprenticeship programs often consist of paid training on the job and related technical instruction lasting several years. The technical instruction may be provided in cooperation with local community colleges and vocational–technical schools. Workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter an apprenticeship.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Completing a certification program, though optional, allows machinists and tool and die makers to demonstrate competency and may be helpful for advancement. Colleges and organizations offer certifications and credentials in CNC machine operation, CAD/CAM technology, and other relevant competencies.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must be able to interpret technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts.
Manual dexterity. Machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work demands accuracy, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch. This level of accuracy requires both concentration and agility.
Mechanical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers may operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools.
Physical stamina. Machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements.
Technical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand metalworking processes. They must be able to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and manual and computerized measuring machines.
Related occupations
How much do machinists make?
The national median wage is $58,750 a year, with the middle half earning between $47,570 and $67,700 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is machinists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 14 of 100 and ranks #545 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change 0.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a machinist?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do machinists earn the most?
Among states, Hawaii pays the highest median ($84,410). Local pay for every state and metro is below.