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Machinist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, machinists don't need a college education. The most common degree for machinists is high school diploma with 40% graduates, with only 26% machinist graduates earning associate degree. Machinists who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Central State University. Some good skills to have in this position include grinders, cnc machines and micrometers.

Popular machinist certifications include Master Engine Machinist, Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE), or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). To improve machinist qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in machinist education paths.

What education do you need to become a machinist?

What degree do you need to be a machinist?

The most common degree for machinists is high school diploma, with 40% of machinists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 26% and associate degree degree at 15%.
  • High School Diploma, 40%
  • Associate, 26%
  • Bachelor's, 15%
  • Diploma, 11%
  • Other Degrees, 8%

What should I major in to become a machinist?

You should major in precision metal working to become a machinist. 14% of machinists major in precision metal working. Other common majors for a machinist include business and general studies.

Best majors for machinists

20 best online courses for machinists

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Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...

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Average machinist salary by education level

According to our data, machinists with a Associate degree earn the highest average salary, at $43,772 annually. Machinists with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $43,126.
Machinist education levelMachinist salary
High School Diploma or Less$41,152
Bachelor's Degree$43,126
Some College/ Associate Degree$43,772

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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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