What is the salary of a Machinist?

The typical salary range is $39,305 - $78,610 per year.

Supply Chain & ProductionStable

Machinist

Operational-level

Also known as: Aircraft Machinist, Auto Machinist (Automotive Machinist), Carbide Operator, CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Lathe Machinist)

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

MachiningPrecision ManufacturingMetalworkingTool and Die MakingManufacturingMechanical EngineeringSkilled TradesSkilled TradeProductionTechnical

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software

In-demand software

G-codeMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

26,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

288,300

in 2025 → 291,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Opérateur de machine
Apprenti machiniste
Assistant de production

Machinist

Where it can lead

Programmeur CNC
Outilleur-matriceur
Ingénieur de fabrication

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly impact machinists by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing machining processes, and enabling predictive maintenance of equipment. While some manual tasks may be automated, machinists will transition to roles focused on overseeing AI-driven systems, programming advanced CNC machines, and handling complex, custom fabrication. Their work will become more analytical and supervisory, requiring proficiency with new software and robotics.

Salary

$58,750

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position