Also called: Precision machinist, CNC machinist
Cuts and shapes metal parts to extremely tight tolerances for aircraft, missiles, and ships.
Machinists program and run CNC machines, measure parts with precision tools, and fix setups when something is off by a hair. Defense work demands perfect documentation. Experienced machinists can earn more with overtime.
BLS machinists, May 2024.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus a machining certificate or apprenticeship.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Machining Technology (trade school), CNC Programming.
Shrinking (about -1% over 10 years). BLS projects slight decline for machinists, though skilled ones are in short supply.
Medium risk for 10 years. CNC automation and lights-out machining cut operator jobs; skilled setup and inspection stay in demand.
Classes: Machine shop CTE, Geometry / trigonometry, Drafting / CAD.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4041.
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