What does a machine shop worker do?
Machine shop worker responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real machine shop worker resumes:
- 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.
- Construct automated and structural equipment for companies using primarily aluminum extrusion.
- Provide quality product, meeting JIT schedules to the assembly plants, on time and in full.
Machine shop worker skills and personality traits
We calculated that 31% of Machine Shop Workers are proficient in Machine Shop, Hand Tools, and Calipers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Machine Shop Workers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Machine Shop, 31%
Prepared and maintained machine shop, portable grinders, assembled crates for part shipping, loaded and strapped trucks.
- Hand Tools, 27%
Operated a lathe, milling machine, band saw, grinders, MIG welder and an assortment of hand tools.
- Calipers, 12%
Utilized precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
- Grinders, 10%
Performed machine work involving the use of drill press, grinders, power saws, fork lifts and Bridgeport.
- Safety Guidelines, 5%
Cut, clean and prepared aluminum, copper and plastic for a variety of different products while following safety guidelines.
- Lathe Machines, 3%
Run lathe machine and also polish or sand blast tool for sale also mark tool with company name with C.L.C.
Common skills that a machine shop worker uses to do their job include "machine shop," "hand tools," and "calipers." You can find details on the most important machine shop worker responsibilities below.
Computer skills. The most essential soft skill for a machine shop worker to carry out their responsibilities is computer skills. This skill is important for the role because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, a machine shop worker resume shows how their duties depend on computer skills: "worked and trained with lathe, mill and computer numerical control router. "
Mechanical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of machine shop workers is mechanical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday machine shop worker duties, as "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "machined and assisted students in machining parts for mechanical engineering related projects maintained machines and cleanliness of shop environment. "
The three companies that hire the most machine shop workers are:
- LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions1 machine shop workers jobs
- Precision Castparts1 machine shop workers jobs
- Tradesmen International1 machine shop workers jobs
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Compare different machine shop workers
Machine shop worker vs. Ammunition assembly labour
A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, machine shop worker responsibilities require skills like "machine shop," "calipers," "grinders," and "g code." Meanwhile a typical ammunition assembly labour has skills in areas such as "blueprint specifications," "work ethic," "tape measure," and "production process." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Ammunition assembly labours really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $35,211. Comparatively, machine shop workers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $33,816.On average, ammunition assembly labours reach similar levels of education than machine shop workers. Ammunition assembly labours are 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Machine shop worker vs. Production operator
A bucket operator is primarily in charge of operating bucket trucks, ensuring safety and efficiency for a smooth and successful workflow. Although a bucket operator has different responsibilities depending on their industry or place of employment, it usually includes planning and coordinating operations according to project requirements, setting guidelines, and delegating duties among staff. They can also perform tasks such as pouring and collecting materials, keeping records, and maintaining the cleanliness of areas. Moreover, in some companies, they supervise staff operations while enforcing the company's safety standards and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real machine shop worker resumes. While machine shop worker responsibilities can utilize skills like "machine shop," "calipers," "grinders," and "g code," production operators use skills like "basic math," "math," "quality checks," and "quality standards."
Production operators earn a higher average salary than machine shop workers. But production operators earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $37,865. Additionally, machine shop workers earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $33,816 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Production operators tend to reach similar levels of education than machine shop workers. In fact, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine shop worker vs. Router operator
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a machine shop worker is likely to be skilled in "machine shop," "hand tools," "calipers," and "grinders," while a typical router operator is skilled in "cdl," "safety procedures," "cnc router," and "safety rules."
Most router operators achieve a similar degree level compared to machine shop workers. For example, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine shop worker vs. Bucket operator
Types of machine shop worker
Updated January 8, 2025
