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What is a machine shop worker 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 machine shop worker. For example, did you know that they make an average of $14.69 an hour? That's $30,548 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreMachine Shop WorkerUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $30,548

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.88%

Asian 8.29%

Black or African American 11.05%

Hispanic or Latino 18.84%

Unknown 4.28%

White 56.66%

Gender

female 8.91%

male 91.09%

Age - 44
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 - 44

Machine shop worker career paths

Key steps to become a machine shop worker

  1. Explore machine shop worker education requirements

    Most common machine shop worker degrees

    High School Diploma

    40.8 %

    Bachelor's

    25.6 %

    Associate

    18.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific machine shop worker skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Machine Shop30.92%
    Hand Tools27.10%
    Calipers11.60%
    Grinders9.94%
    Safety Guidelines4.74%
  3. Research machine shop worker duties and responsibilities

    • Perform tig, mig, and spot welding.
    • Perform machine work involving the use of drill press, grinders, power saws, fork lifts and Bridgeport.
    • Perform MIG welding on light gauge materials.
    • Operate heavy duty saws, threading machines, drills, and grinders.
  4. Prepare your machine shop worker resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machine shop worker resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a machine shop worker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable machine shop worker resume templates

    Build a professional machine shop worker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your machine shop worker resume.
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
    Machine Shop Worker Resume
  5. Apply for machine shop worker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a machine shop worker 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 machine shop worker job

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Average machine shop worker salary

The average machine shop worker salary in the United States is $30,548 per year or $15 per hour. Machine shop worker salaries range between $24,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average machine shop worker salary
$30,548 Yearly
$14.69 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do machine shop workers rate their job?

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Machine shop worker reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


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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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