National
| Median wages (2008) |
$17.41 hourly, $36,210 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
397,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
61,000 additional employees |
51-4041.00 - Machinists
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. 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, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Sample of reported job titles:
Machinist, Tool Room Machinist, Machine Operator, Machine Repair Person, Machinist Tool and Die, Automation Technician, Gear Machinist, Maintenance Specialist, Set-Up Machinist, Utility Operator
Tasks
- Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
- Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.
- Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.
- Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
- Position and fasten work pieces.
- Maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Calipers — Dial calipers; Hermaphrodite calipers; Vernier gear tooth calipers; Verniers |
| Gauges or inspection fixtures — Dial indicators; Planer gauges; Ring gauges; Telescoping gauges |
| Lathes — Drum lathes; Engine lathes; Flywheel lathes; Turning lathes |
| Milling cutters — Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers; Undercut tools; Vertical milling machines; Vertical turret lathes VTL |
| Workshop presses — Arbor presses; Pin presses; Radial drill presses; Sensitive drill presses |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Armchair Machinist software; CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator; EditCNC software; Kentech Kipware Software |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — CNC Mastercam; CNC TurboCAD/CAM; JETCAM software |
| Facilities management software — Faster Fleet Management software |
| Project management software — Kentech Kipware PLN; Kentech Kipware QTE; Kentech Kipware TRK |
| 17-3027.00 |
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
|
| 49-9044.00 |
Millwrights
|
| 51-2011.00 |
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
|
| 51-2031.00 |
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
|
| 51-4061.00 |
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4121.06 |
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
|
| 51-9061.00 |
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
|
