Machinists
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Machinists to increase by 1.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 288,300 to 291,200 jobs. Its estimate of 26,100 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($58,750), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
288,300
Projected employment (2034)
291,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
1%
Annual openings (projected average)
26,100
Pay & Preparation
$58,750
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.25/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.12/5) • Critical Thinking (3.12/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Complex Problem Solving (3/5) • Troubleshooting (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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