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.
BLS SOC 51-4041 · O*NET-SOC 51-4041.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$58,750
Projected change, 2025–2035
1%
2025–2035 annual average openings
26,100
AI exposure
Moderate
Editorial analysis
The machine shop is becoming a software shop too
Machinists have already lived through several generations of automation, from manual machines to CNC equipment and sophisticated computer-aided manufacturing. AI continues that evolution by helping generate toolpaths, recommend cutting parameters, predict tool wear, inspect parts, and identify ways to make a machining process more efficient.
Making the first good part still matters
A machining program can look correct and still produce chatter, poor finish, excessive tool wear, distortion, or a dimension that drifts as the machine warms. Skilled machinists understand materials, workholding, tooling, machine behavior, measurement, and the small adjustments that turn a theoretical process into a reliable one.
- Programming assistance can reduce the time needed to prepare CNC jobs.
- Computer vision can expand automated part inspection.
- Predictive systems can monitor tool condition and machine health.
- Setup, precision measurement, troubleshooting, and process improvement remain valuable human expertise.
Machinists who combine hands-on knowledge with CNC programming, metrology, automation, and robotics may find themselves supervising increasingly capable production systems rather than simply competing with them.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 288,300 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 291,200 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 3,000 jobs (1%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Moderate. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Moderate
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- 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.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Industrial control software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Procedure management software
- Spreadsheet software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
Ask JobShift
Ask Dr. Morgan Reed about this evidence
Morgan is the JobShift Atlas analyst powered by AI. Answers draw from the evidence on this page and explain what it can tell you.
Prepare for a direction
Turn occupation research into a next action
Next action
Prepare your resume for this direction
Opens a partner resource for your next step on resumekicker.com. Your JobShift search and selections are not shared with external sites.
Next action
Practice machinist interview questions
Opens a role-specific resource on interviewkicker.com. Your JobShift search and selections are not shared with external sites.
Next action
Explore independent work as one option
Opens a partner resource for your next step on www.ideatomarketai.com. Your JobShift search and selections are not shared with external sites.
Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.