Occupations/51-4041.00
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.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
76%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
35%
Fewer uniquely human demands
Task orientation
78%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Mostly routine
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
- Mostly routine
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
- 02Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- 03Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
- 04Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- 05Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
- 06Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.89
- Degree of automation3.05
- Time sitting1.88
- Originality (ability)2.62
- Conflict situations2.17
- Hands-on objects/tools4.85
- Outdoors / weather1.34
- Disease exposure1.01
- Decision freedom4.15
Top abilities
- Manual Dexterity3.62
- Finger Dexterity3.62
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.62
- Control Precision3.50
- Selective Attention3.25
- Problem Sensitivity3.25
- Near Vision3.25
- Deductive Reasoning3.25
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension2.88
- Active Listening3.00
- Writing2.50
- Speaking3.00
- Mathematics2.88
- Science1.50
- Critical Thinking3.12
- Active Learning2.75
- Learning Strategies2.12
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
11 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $5,900 | 100% | 28% | 1 yr $54,035 2 yr $55,512 Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,000 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr $53,358 2 yr — Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Saint Paul College St. Paul, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,100 | 100% | 29% | 1 yr $40,551 2 yr $42,363 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $9,800 | 71% | 61% | 1 yr $38,289 2 yr $34,704 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
University of Minnesota-Rochester Rochester, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $14,200 | 72% | 73% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $5,800 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,200 | 100% | 38% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Miami Dade College Miami, FL · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $2,900 | 100% | 41% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $5,700 | 100% | 35% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $6,300 | 100% | 48% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public | Machine Tool Technology/Machinist 48.0501 | $4,200 | 100% | 22% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |