Machinist
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
What the job is
- The work
- Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- How people get in
- Machinists typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job; some learn through an apprenticeship, a vocational school or a community college. BLS names no license; certification in CNC or CAD/CAM is optional.
- Good fit for
- Precise, patient students who like math, computers and making metal parts to exact measurements.
- Career cluster
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
- AlabamaState guide
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- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025.
- Median pay
- $59,620 a year ($28.66 an hour)
BLS figures for machinists and tool and die makers togetherBLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Machinists alone
- Median pay $58,750 a year (May 2025); tool and die makers $64,050.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — PayU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 344,900
- Typical entry
- High school diploma (machinists); tool and die makers may also need postsecondary courses
- Training after hire
- Long-term on-the-job training
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- −1%, which BLS calls "decline"
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- −2,200 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
Tools overview
BLS does not publish what a starter tool set costs. Ask the school or apprenticeship sponsor which tools you must buy before you enrol.
- Machinists may operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines and other machine tools, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes, step by step, the national certifications and the state licensing rules are on one page.
Machinist: on-the-job training or apprenticeship, optional CNC certification
See the roadmap
Route 1: Registered Apprenticeship · Route 2: Certificate or 2-year degree, then on the job
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All trades