What does a machinist do?
Machinists are skilled professionals who create metal works by using different machines. They work with clients to bring their clients' vision to life. They study the blueprints of the product that needs to be done and identify the parts that will need fabrication through machining. They then prepare the materials and equipment. Machinists use different tools such as grinders, drills, lathes, polishers, and milling equipment to create parts that are made of metal. They may sometimes work with other materials such as wood or plastic, but this is seldom. Machinists are expected to be proficient in the use of the machines, to be precise with their work, and can work within the committed timeline.
Machinist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real machinist resumes:
- Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
- Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth gauges, height gauges and CMM programs.
- Utilize CNC lathes, mills, grinders, EDM s and other equipment to manufacture implants and/or instruments.
- Operate manual machines such as engine lathe, boring mill, vertical and horizontal milling machines, grinders and honing machines.
- Emphasize the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
- Operate manual/CNC lathes and used industry standard measuring equipment including manual/digital calipers, manual/digital micrometers and optical comparators
- Measure and examine complete units in order to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as calipers and/or micrometers.
- Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges and micrometers.
- Know how to read blue prints and know how to use od & id mics, depth mics.
- Have experience starting up and referencing out FANUC.
- Operate forklifts, hoists and other material handling equipment.
- Manufacture and repair plastic injection molds and extrusion dies.
- Work with foreman and engineer in prototyping and assembly.
- Qualify in SPC and quality control requirements and in machine maintenance.
- Program setup and operate Mori-Seiki and Hyundai with the seamen control.
Machinist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Machinists are proficient in Grinders, CNC Machines, and Micrometers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Manual dexterity, and Math skills and computer application experience.
We break down the percentage of Machinists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Grinders, 9%
Operate Manual surface grinders to exact specifications.
- CNC Machines, 9%
Operate CNC machines first and secondary operations to enhance production requirements.
- Micrometers, 8%
Measure and examine completed units in order to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as calipers and/or micrometers.
- Calipers, 8%
Emphasized the ability to use dial calipers and micrometers to provide consistent repeatable measurements.
- Machine Shop, 6%
Repaired and operated auxiliary machinery, including calculating time and material needed for machine shop work and repair of auxiliary machinery.
- CNC Lathes, 6%
Set up of CNC lathes and mills, foreman of the floor, programming, prototyping of parts, and employee training
Common skills that a machinist uses to do their job include "grinders," "cnc machines," and "micrometers." You can find details on the most important machinist responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a machinist to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "machinists and tool and die makers must be able to interpret technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts." Machinists often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "analyzed data using cmm take corrective action"
Manual dexterity. Many machinist duties rely on manual dexterity. "machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work demands accuracy, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch," so a machinist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways machinist responsibilities rely on manual dexterity: "experience: manual and cnc machine mills, sanders, grinders, overhead cranes, forklift driving, and reading blueprints. "
Mechanical skills. For certain machinist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a machinist rely on this skill, as "machinists and tool and die makers may operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what machinists do: "completed over 400 hours of computer-aided design for precision manufacturing and detailing complex mechanical assemblies. "
Physical stamina. Another crucial skill for a machinist to carry out their responsibilities is "physical stamina." A big part of what machinists relies on this skill, since "machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements." How this skill relates to machinist duties can be seen in an example from a machinist resume snippet: "display math skills college level algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry also have advanced measurement skills and knowledge physical sciences. "
Technical skills. While "technical skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to machinist responsibilities. Much of what a machinist does relies on this skill, seeing as "machinists and tool and die makers must understand metalworking processes." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of machinists: "used technical math skills and intricate measuring tools to make parts and complete manufacturing orders. "
The three companies that hire the most machinists are:
- Flowserve649 machinists jobs
- Tradesmen International173 machinists jobs
- Army National Guard104 machinists jobs
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Compare different machinists
Machinist vs. Tool and die maker
A tool and die maker is responsible for operating various mechanical tools and equipment to create components, metal parts, and other tools for a wide range of industries. Tool and die makers analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble parts and verify dimensions accurately. They also perform diagnostic tests for the items and adjust specifications as needed. A tool and die maker must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the technological and mechanical industries.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between machinists and tool and die maker. For instance, machinist responsibilities require skills such as "cnc machines," "micrometers," "machine shop," and "cnc lathes." Whereas a tool and die maker is skilled in "cnc," "apprenticeship program," "assembly fixtures," and "drill presses." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Tool and die makers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $59,333. Comparatively, machinists tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $53,086.tool and die makers tend to reach similar levels of education than machinists. In fact, tool and die makers are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Machinist vs. Numerical control programmer
A numerical control programmer is responsible for designing system programs for the technical components used by various industrial operations to function automatically. Numerical control programmers operate machine tools, analyzing its schematics to create a program, and increase the efficiency of its operational properties. They should also have excellent computer literacy as this task requires the programmers to utilize CAD systems, modifying machine instructions with the strategic design plans. A numerical control programmer must be highly organizational, inspecting the accuracy of the program by running diagnostic tests and performing adjustments as necessary.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real machinist resumes. While machinist responsibilities can utilize skills like "micrometers," "hand tools," "shop equipment," and "machine operation," numerical control programmers use skills like "g-code," "cad/cam," "fixture design," and "program cnc."
Numerical control programmers earn a higher average salary than machinists. But numerical control programmers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $57,763. Additionally, machinists earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $53,086 annually.numerical control programmers earn similar levels of education than machinists in general. They're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machinist vs. Computer numerical controller supervisor
It is the responsibility of a computer numerical controller (CNC) supervisor to direct and manage CNC operators and machinists. CNC supervisors handle the schedules of the teams and their operations. The supervisors ensure the completion of their work based on the expected delivery dates. They bring balance between team coordination and leadership with machine programming skills and technical knowledge. Their tasks also include CNC machine programming and troubleshooting, and opportunity identification to enhance efficiency.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from machinist resumes include skills like "grinders," "micrometers," "shop equipment," and "machine operation," whereas a computer numerical controller supervisor is more likely to list skills in "continuous improvement," "spc," "g-code," and "quality standards. "
Computer numerical controller supervisors earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $48,502. Machinists earn the highest pay from the automotive industry, with an average salary of $53,086.When it comes to education, computer numerical controller supervisors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to machinists. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Machinist vs. Set-up operator
A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.
Types of machinist
Updated January 8, 2025
