Shigoto Zukan
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How to become machinistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$58,750
25th–75th pct. $47,570–$67,700
Top pay (est.)
$104,000
Top 10% $80,010
Pay in 5 years
$67,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$78,200est.
$67,300–$90,800
Outlook score
47/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
43%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.0%
26K openings / yr

How to become machinists

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Machinists

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.4
Operations Monitoring
3.2
Monitoring
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.9
Mathematics
3.5
Design
3.4
Production and Processing
3.0
Engineering and Technology
3.0
Education and Training
2.6
Computers and Electronics
2.5
Customer and Personal Service
2.3

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

VisualizationControl PrecisionFinger DexterityNear VisionArm-Hand SteadinessDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

High school diploma
36%
Post-secondary certificate
33%
Some college
17%
Less than high school
14%

Training before entry

1–2 years
22%
Up to 1 month
22%
3–6 months
17%
None / short demo
10%
1–3 months
9%
6–12 months
9%
4–10 years
7%
2–4 years
3%

Related work experience

2–4 years
20%
None
20%
1–2 years
16%
4–6 years
15%
3–6 months
10%
Over 10 years
7%
6–12 months
5%
1–3 months
4%
8–10 years
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as machinists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.