Career Exploration Guide

SOC: 51-4041

Machinists

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Include 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, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

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Education:		Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

OJT:		Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

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. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process. Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products. Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency. Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled. Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools. Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.

License:		License not required.

Outlook:		Good

Alabama Employment Outlook

Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage		Annual Wage
Entry	$14.24	Entry	$29,622.00
Mean	$21.14	Mean	$43,989.00
Experience	$24.60	Experience	$51,168.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections

Estimated Employment 2016	Projected Employment 2026	Annual Average Openings	Annual Growth Rate
6,410	7,100	745	1.02

Related Occupations:

Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Rough Carpenters

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Central Alabama Community College

George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

H Councill Trenholm State Technical College

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Southern Union State Community College

Occupational Videos

51-4041.00

Machinists