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What is a laboratory machinist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a laboratory machinist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.02 an hour? That's $41,635 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 3,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreLaboratory MachinistUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $41,635

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 3.45%

male 96.55%

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 laboratory machinist

  1. Explore laboratory machinist education requirements

    Most common laboratory machinist degrees

    Bachelor's

    55.6 %

    High School Diploma

    11.1 %

    Master's

    11.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific laboratory machinist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Operate CNC31.72%
    CAD18.18%
    CNC Machines16.73%
    Band Saws14.41%
    Grinders11.97%
  3. Complete relevant laboratory machinist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory 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 laboratory machinist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory machinist resumes.
  4. Research laboratory machinist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
    • Work closely with management and engineering staff to ensure efficient and safe methods are utilized in producing high quality aerospace components.
    • Operate / set up manual bridgeports.
  5. Apply for laboratory machinist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a laboratory 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 laboratory machinist job

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Average laboratory machinist salary

The average laboratory machinist salary in the United States is $41,635 per year or $20 per hour. Laboratory machinist salaries range between $31,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average laboratory machinist salary
$41,635 Yearly
$20.02 hourly

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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.

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