Machinist
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. Machinists who primarily program or operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment are classified in “Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Programmers” (51-9160). Federal job definition
How people get into it
Some learn through training or apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community and technical colleges.
Machinists and tool and die makers typically gain competency through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
Some new workers enter apprenticeship programs, which are typically sponsored by an employer.
- Typical education to start
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training on the job
- Long-term on-the-job training
Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.
What it pays
Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median pay by state (51 states)
| State | Median pay | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $55,560 | 5,170 |
| Alaska | $77,670 | 120 |
| Arizona | $61,080 | 4,330 |
| Arkansas | $51,140 | 2,150 |
| California | $57,190 | 18,950 |
| Colorado | $60,200 | 2,800 |
| Connecticut | $62,130 | 5,240 |
| Delaware | $62,650 | 310 |
| District of Columbia | $72,900 | 160 |
| Florida | $57,140 | 8,400 |
| Georgia | $52,610 | 6,090 |
| Hawaii | $84,410 | 260 |
| Idaho | $58,810 | 1,070 |
| Illinois | $58,520 | 16,520 |
| Indiana | $57,800 | 14,320 |
| Iowa | $57,540 | 2,880 |
| Kansas | $51,220 | 3,870 |
| Kentucky | $58,660 | 6,040 |
| Louisiana | $61,110 | 4,640 |
| Maine | $59,160 | 1,780 |
| Maryland | $59,810 | 1,380 |
| Massachusetts | $67,270 | 7,080 |
| Michigan | $52,360 | 20,350 |
| Minnesota | $61,140 | 12,500 |
| Mississippi | $55,550 | 1,920 |
| Missouri | $58,710 | 8,380 |
| Montana | $60,920 | 630 |
| Nebraska | $55,860 | 1,810 |
| Nevada | $53,050 | 900 |
| New Hampshire | $61,500 | 1,620 |
| New Jersey | $63,190 | 3,210 |
| New Mexico | $59,440 | 690 |
| New York | $60,920 | 9,400 |
| North Carolina | $55,230 | 8,330 |
| North Dakota | $61,820 | 560 |
| Ohio | $57,940 | 17,110 |
| Oklahoma | $51,120 | 4,230 |
| Oregon | $63,820 | 2,760 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,810 | 12,380 |
| Rhode Island | $57,760 | 860 |
| South Carolina | $57,970 | 3,790 |
| South Dakota | $50,890 | 830 |
| Tennessee | $49,600 | 8,270 |
| Texas | $59,180 | 21,700 |
| Utah | $61,280 | 3,810 |
| Vermont | $62,680 | 220 |
| Virginia | $61,290 | 5,660 |
| Washington | $66,160 | 6,880 |
| West Virginia | $47,350 | 1,700 |
| Wisconsin | $59,110 | 12,700 |
| Wyoming | $63,070 | 290 |
Job outlook
- People in this job
- 288,300
- Openings each year
- 26,100projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
- Change in jobs
- +1%expected to grow 1%, 2025–35
Where these numbers come from
Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.