Description
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Persistence
- Cooperation
- Independence
Tasks
- Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
- Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
- Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
- Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Detailed Work Activities
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
Skills
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Equipment Selection
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- English Language
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 - Parts Inspection and Quality ControlCertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Stamping Level III - Setup with Transfer Dies IIICertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Level I - Certified Die Casting TechnicianCertifying Organization
North American Die Casting Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Oil Monitoring Analyst IICertifying Organization
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Stamping Level II - Operate with Single Hit Tooling 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%) | $46,451 |
| Median (50%) | $59,181 |
| High (90%) | $78,351 |
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  | $65,866 |
| Mid Level | $62,366 |
| Senior Level | $65,310 |
| Expert Level | $75,944 |
Employability
There are currently 59,100 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 53,300 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -10%.
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 -10%
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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