Machinists Description OES Code: 891080 Set up and operate a variety of machine tools. Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools and maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. Study specifications, such as blueprints, sketch, or description of part to be replaced, and plan sequence of operations. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $7.00 minimum – $14.00 New, experienced: $12.00 minimum – $21.50 3 yrs+ experience: $15.00 $8.00 – $25.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Although most machine tool jobs are day shift, Machinists and Tool Programmers may work on any of three eight-hour shifts. Evening and night shift workers normally receive a shift premium. A forty-hour, five-day workweek is normal. Benefits almost always include paid vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and retirement plans. Although most machine tool jobs are day shift, Machinists and Tool Programmers may work on any of three eight-hour shifts. Evening and night shift workers normally receive a shift premium. A forty-hour, five-day workweek is normal. Benefits almost always include paid vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and retirement plans. Employment Trends Employment 1996 42,040 Projected Employment 2006 46,600 Growth Rate 1996-2006 10.8% Openings due to Separations 9,790 Employment Trends by California County Slow growth is projected for Machinist jobs, but new jobs for Tool Programmers are expected to decline as more firms now use computer-aided (CAD) systems to write programs. However, over 15,000 workers will leave these occupations permanently to retire or for other reasons. Employers report difficulty attracting workers into machining and tool programming occupations in recent years. Good opportunities should continue for candidates with mechanical skills and mathematical ability. Advancement Experienced machine tool operators can advance to specialist Machinist, and then to all-around journey-level Machinist or Tool Programmer as they gain experience and take additional training. In some machine shops, experienced specialist Machinists are eligible to participate in employer-sponsored skills upgrading programs and progress to full journey-level status. Getting the Job & Other Information Job seekers should apply directly to unions, local offices of the California Employment Development Department, manufacturing firms and machine shops. Newspaper help wanted ads are all good sources of job leads. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards for information about apprenticeship programs. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training The best preparation for Machinists is a formal apprenticeship program which includes full time work, on-the-job training and job related classroom instruction. Most apprenticeship programs are four years in length and lead to all-around journey-level status. Some two-year apprenticeships are also available, leading to specialist Machinist jobs. Apprentice applicants usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or qualifying scores on the General Educational Development (GED) or the California Proficiency Test. High school or vocational school courses should include mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting. Use of computer controlled machine tools is increasing, so basic computers and electronics courses are also needed. Training in machine tool technology is available at community colleges, private trade/technical schools, and Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) which are operated by high school districts throughout the State. Skills & Other Requirements Machinists and Tool Programmers need mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and visual acuity. Additionally, skilled workers must be able to work independently and be temperamentally suited to do exacting work that requires close and continuous concentration. Working Conditions Most machine shops are relatively clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated. However, the job can be noisy and hazardous. Typical hazards are flying metal chips, abrasive dust, sharp cutting tools, and moving parts. Safety glasses and other protective devices help to reduce accidental injuries. Journey-level Machinists and Specialist Machinists are usually expected to have their own hand tools and precision measuring instruments. Most machine shops supply tools for new workers to use while they are acquiring their own sets. Many machine tool workers are members of unions. Depending upon the type and location of the employer, these workers may belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) or other labor organizations. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Machinists & Machine Tool Specilists #9 Related Occupation: Tool & Die Makers #15, Sheet Metal Workers #49, Welders & Cutters #84, Metal Workers #112, Numerical control Machine Operators #548 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.