Machinists
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $29K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $35K
Median Salary: $45K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $57K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $69K
Demand
Core Tasks
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mathematics
70%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical
66%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing
66%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design
61%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology
54%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
54%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
48%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
48%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
45%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Physics
44%
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Top 10 Skills
Operation and Control
65%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking
63%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
63%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Monitoring
63%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening
60%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination
60%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Quality Control Analysis
60%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting
60%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
73%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity
73%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity
73%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Control Precision
70%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision
65%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
65%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Selective Attention
65%
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Information Ordering
63%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Multilimb Coordination
63%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
94%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information
87%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
85%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
78%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
75%
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
74%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
74%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Handling and Moving Objects
73%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Processing Information
71%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Operate grinding equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.
Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Exchange information with colleagues.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
Dispose of trash or waste materials.
Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Sort recyclable materials.
Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
Determine metal or plastic production methods.
Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production.
Install mechanical components in production equipment.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Replace worn equipment components.
Test materials, solutions, or samples.
Operate welding equipment.
Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
77%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
67%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
29%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
19%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
91%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
87%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
84%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Analytical Thinking
80%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Innovation
78%
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Cooperation
77%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Achievement/Effort
76%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Integrity
76%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
76%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative
75%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Values
Support
77%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Relationships
29%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
