Machinists earn $58,750 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $47,570 and $67,700. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
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.
Also known as:
Machinists earn $58,750 nationally, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,570 and $67,700. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Near the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Machinists roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
The BLS projects +0.0% employment change for Machinists through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 29,500 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
Slower than average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Machinists professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $58,750 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 23,090 | $49,930 | -15.0% |
| 2 | California | 21,580 | $56,220 | -4.3% |
| 3 | Texas | 20,770 | $56,040 | -4.6% |
| 4 | Indiana | 16,510 | $48,910 | -16.7% |
| 5 | Illinois | 16,100 | $56,700 | -3.5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Machinists positions require a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify. The program below is the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Precision Metal Working | 59,352 | — | 1,010 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CA | 90 | $1,947 | $36,119 |
| 2 | Turtle Mountain College Belcourt, ND | 88 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| 3 | Brazosport College Lake Jackson, TX | 88 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| 4 | Chipola College Marianna, FL | 88 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| 5 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GA | 86 | $1,164 | $30,364 |
| 6 | Institute of Medical Careers Pittsburgh, PA | 86 | $21,392 | — |
Once you've sized up Machinists, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Machinists pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
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The data on Machinists shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
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