Also called: Prototype Machinist
Machines one-of-a-kind parts for fusion experiments, often from exotic metals like tungsten.
A physicist hands you a sketch in the morning; by afternoon you've turned it into a precise part on a CNC mill.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Machining certificate or apprenticeship.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Machine Tool Technology (trade school).
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. CAM software writes more toolpaths, but one-off parts from tungsten and exotic alloys need a skilled machinist.
Classes: Machining CTE class, Geometry, Drafting class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4041.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.