What do machinists do?
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.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)
- Gear Machinist
- Machine Repair Person
- Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- Manual Lathe Machinist
- Production Machinist
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- 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.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- 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.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
Ready to plan your search?
Start with machinists as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.
Explore related occupations
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Tool and Die Makers
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic