Machinists (including CNC)

At a Glance

Median Salary
$53,001

Local Jobs
461

Entry-Level Education
Certification

Occupation Profile

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.

By The Numbers

Median Annual Earnings

$53,001

Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation

Local Jobs

461

Jobs are any position in which a worker provides labor in exchange for monetary compensation (note: one individual may hold multiple jobs)

Entry-Level Education

Certification

This is the most common education level requested in entry-level job listings.

Daily Tasks

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.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for Machinists (including CNC)?

Hard Skills

Cutting Tool (Machining)
Drill Press
Drilling
Lathes
Machinery
Machining
Micrometer
Milling
Mills
Tooling

Soft Skills

Adaptability
Arithmetic
Communications
Detail Oriented
Fine Motor Skills
Investigation
Lifting Ability
Mathematics
Multitasking
Operations

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Education Programs

Coastal Bend College

Manual Machinist

Type	Credential	Hours	Online	Financial Aid
Certificate	Cert	205	Yes	No

Braden Becknell

Coastal Bend College

361-354-2768

bbecknell@coastalbend.edu

Coastal Bend College

CNC Machinist

Type	Credential	Hours	Online	Financial Aid
Certificate	Cert	195	Yes	No

Braden Becknell

Coastal Bend College

361-354-2768

bbecknell@coastalbend.edu

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