Post job

What is a gear machinist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a gear machinist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.41 an hour? That's $42,460 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 3,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreGear MachinistUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,460

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.8

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.49%

Asian 5.61%

Black or African American 3.06%

Hispanic or Latino 9.87%

Unknown 3.71%

White 77.26%

Gender

female 2.22%

male 97.78%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a gear machinist

  1. Explore gear machinist education requirements

    Most common gear machinist degrees

    Associate

    50.0 %

    High School Diploma

    16.7 %

    Certificate

    16.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific gear machinist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Grinding Machines42.46%
    Calipers21.51%
    Aerospace18.01%
    Grinders9.14%
    CMM4.13%
  3. Complete relevant gear machinist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New gear machinists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a gear machinist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real gear machinist resumes.
  4. Research gear machinist duties and responsibilities

    • Work closely with management and engineering staff to ensure efficient and safe methods are utilized in producing high quality aerospace components.
    • Fabricate fixturing used in Kovar ceramic brazing operation.
  5. Apply for gear machinist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a gear machinist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first gear machinist job

Zippi

Are you a gear machinist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average gear machinist salary

The average gear machinist salary in the United States is $42,460 per year or $20 per hour. Gear machinist salaries range between $31,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average gear machinist salary
$42,460 Yearly
$20.41 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do gear machinists rate their job?

Working as a gear machinist? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse production and manufacturing jobs