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Role hub · Machinists

Machinist: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

The work, the skills that matter, the tools in demand and the pay range, from U.S. government data, plus every TryHired page for the role.

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Updated Oct 24, 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · O*NET 31.0
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Median percentile pay

Half of machinists earn more than this and half earn less.

Annual
$58,750
Hourly
$28.24
Source
BLS May 2025
Quick answer

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. The median pay is $58,750 a year ($28.24 an hour) (BLS, May 2025). The most commonly reported education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent (36% of workers surveyed by O*NET).

Median pay
$58,750
BLS May 2025
Employed in the U.S.
287,050
BLS May 2025
Preparation
Job Zone 3 of 5
medium preparation
Most common education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
36% of workers
Explore the role

Every page for Machinists

SalaryMachinist salary

Pay by percentile, state and metro, with a negotiation script.

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The work

What machinists do day to day

Data Core tasks rated most important by workers in the role (O*NET).

  1. Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
  2. Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
  3. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
  4. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
  5. Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
  6. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  7. Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
  8. Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Skills that matter

Ranked by importance to the job

Data O*NET importance ratings. The first three are core.

Operation and ControlcoreOperations MonitoringcoreCritical ThinkingcoreMonitoringCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisActive Listening

Knowledge areas: Mathematics, Mechanical, Production and Processing, Design.

Tools and technology

Software machinists use

Data Examples reported for the role; employer demand flags from O*NET.

  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareIn demand
  • Autodesk AutoCADComputer aided design CAD softwareHot technology
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorksComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareHot technology
  • 3D Printing softwareComputer aided design CAD software
  • Armchair Machinist softwareAnalytical or scientific software
  • Autodesk Fusion 360Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Autodesk HSMWorksComputer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • CNC Consulting Machinists' CalculatorAnalytical or scientific software
  • CNC MastercamComputer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIAComputer aided design CAD software
  • EditCNCIndustrial control software
  • GRZ Software MeshCAMComputer aided manufacturing CAM software

Also called: Cnc Machinist, CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), Gear Machinist, Machine Repair Person, Maintenance Machinist.

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Method

How this page is built

Tasks, skills, tools, education and related roles come from O*NET 31.0. Pay and employment come from the BLS OEWS May 2025 national estimates. The skill-match score is our calculation: Skill match is the correlation between the two occupations' skill profiles: for each of 35 O*NET skills (10 essential, 25 transferable) we multiply importance by level, subtract the average across all occupations, and correlate the two profiles. 100 means identical shape; 0 or below means unrelated. Only occupations that O*NET itself lists as related are compared.

What this page can't tell you
  • How a specific employer defines the job.
  • Pay for self-employed workers (OEWS covers employees).
  • Your own chances: data describes the occupation, not you.
Sources
  1. O*NET 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. TryHired selected, ranked and combined the data; O*NET is not responsible for these pages.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates (public domain).