Machinists
Did You Know:
- Machinists learn their job skills in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, in vocational high schools and in community or technical colleges.
- Many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators or tenders.
- Employment is projected to decline slowly, but job opportunities are expected to be good.
Industry Areas
- Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing
- Employment Services
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
- Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
Overall Kind of Work
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often pr...
Work Environment
Military
Machinists work in machine shops, which are often noisy.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,998 Machinists in the military
Service Branches
Machinists work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: 
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: