What does a machinist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments and tools. A high school diploma plus long-term training or an apprenticeship is typical. BLS reports a median pay of $59,620 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 51-4041 |
| O*NET code | 51-4041.00, 51-4111.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $59,620 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | -1 percent (decline), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 344,900 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a machinist do?
BLS says machinists read drawings and CAD/CAM files, set up and run manual and CNC machines, align tools and workpieces, monitor feed and speed, shape and grind parts to specification and verify finished products. Tool and die makers read drawings to make tools, molds and dies, check dimensions and tolerances, set up and run machine tools, fit parts and test finished tools.
Work environment
They work in machine shops and factories, and many work full time during regular hours, though overtime, nights and weekends are common. Fabricated metal product manufacturing employs 35 percent of machinists, machinery manufacturing 21 percent and transportation equipment manufacturing 13 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typical for machinists, and useful courses include math, blueprint reading, metalworking and CAD/CAM. Community colleges and technical schools offer 2-year degrees and shorter certificates. Training is mostly on the job or through employer-sponsored apprenticeships lasting several years, and certifications such as CNC operation are optional.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills, manual dexterity, mechanical skills, physical stamina and technical skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a machinist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,620 for machinists and tool and die makers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of machinists and tool and die makers to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Even so, about 30,400 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says these openings come mostly from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire. A shrinking occupation can still hire, but expect more competition for each opening.
How to get hired
- Ask about apprenticeships and list the machines, materials and tolerances you have worked with.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Welders, Industrial machinery mechanics and millwrights, Mechanical engineers, Electricians.
Frequently asked questions
Do machinists need a degree? BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typical for machinists, with training mostly on the job or through apprenticeships. Community college programs are an option.
Are machinist jobs declining? BLS projects employment to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, but still expects about 30,400 openings per year from replacement needs.
How much do machinists and tool and die makers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,620 for machinists and tool and die makers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is machinist a good career? BLS projects a 1 percent decline from 2025 to 2035. About 30,400 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Welder Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does an Industrial Machinery Mechanic Do? Pay, Outlook
- Mechanical Engineer: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does an Electrician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Machinists and tool and die makers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/machinists-and-tool-and-die-makers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 51-4041.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4041.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 51-4111.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4111.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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