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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Analytical Thinking
- Innovation
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.
- 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.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Getting Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Detailed Work Activities
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Presentation software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Analytical or scientific software
Abilities
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Design
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Stamping Level III - Setup with Transfer Dies IIICertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Machining Level I - Drill Press ICertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Metalworking Fluids SpecialistCertifying Organization
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Type
Core
Certificate name
Stamping Level II - Operate with Deep Draw Dies IICertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $43,294 |
| Median (50%) | $50,131 |
| High (90%) | $60,010 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $47,274 |
| Mid Level | $53,627 |
| Senior Level | $57,251 |
| Expert Level | $70,609 |
Employability
There are currently 298,000 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 303,000 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 2%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 2%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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