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How to hire a master machinist

Master machinist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring master machinists in the United States:

  • There are a total of 4,985 master machinists in the US, and there are currently 17,439 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a master machinist is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per master machinist on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Parksdale, CA, has the highest demand for master machinists, with 4 job openings.

How to hire a master machinist, step by step

To hire a master machinist, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a master machinist:

Here's a step-by-step master machinist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a master machinist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new master machinist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The master machinist hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a master machinist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a master machinist that fits the bill.

    This list presents master machinist salaries for various positions.

    Type of Master MachinistDescriptionHourly rate
    Master MachinistMachinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.$15-27
    GrinderDepending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes... Show more$12-19
    Tool TechnicianTool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties... Show more$13-29
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CNC
    • Hand Tools
    • Grinders
    • Machine Shop
    • GD
    • Cad Cam
    • Calipers
    • Engine Lathes
    • Shop Equipment
    • Mastercam
    • Prototype
    • CMM
    • FAA
    • Manual Mill
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage tooling responsibilies, provide tool/fixture design and fabrication which improve productivity and consistent quality.
    • Set up and operate machine tools such as drill presses, lathes, milling machines, and precision grinders.
    • Set up and operate conventional lathes, mills, and grinders.
    • Used appropriate jigs and fixtures and shop aids as well making own set ups.
    • Manufacture tools to be used as prototype and support equipment by explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
    • Work with Fanuc, Siemens, Allen Bradley and various other operating systems and controls.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your master machinist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A master machinist salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, master machinists' average salary in north carolina is 37% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level master machinists earn 44% less than senior-level master machinists.
    • Certifications. A master machinist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a master machinist's salary.

    Average master machinist salary

    $43,290yearly

    $20.81 hourly rate

    Entry-level master machinist salary
    $32,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025
  4. Writing a master machinist job description

    A job description for a master machinist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a master machinist job description:

    Master machinist job description example

    ** Candidates must be U.S. Citizens without Dual Citizenship **

    We are a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to space and defense customers. Our Los Angeles, California, facility is the company’s headquarters for the Space Business Unit and specializes in the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of hardware for large and small liquid engines that support exploration missions as well as the defense of our nation and allies. The Space Shuttle Main Engine, which successfully powered 135 missions, as well as rocket engines for the Atlas, Delta, Saturn, and Thor launch vehicles were all built at the company’s San Fernando Valley facility. In all, rocket engines that were built in the LA area have successfully launched more than 370 astronauts into space and powered more than 2, 100 missions. Visit our website at www.rocket.com for more information on how our employees Power the Future. We are seeking a Complex Multi-Axis Master Machinist to join our Canoga Park, CA (Los Angeles area) Space HQ site. Union position. 9/80 work schedule. 2nd shift (generally 3pm - 12: 30am). Performs multi-position/contour machining of materials, parts, assemblies, and tooling. Setup and run multiple axis machine tools capable of milling, turning, drilling, etc. to machine parts and assemblies to required dimensions and tolerances. What we can offer you: - Inspiring Company Culture - Our people support each other and work together to leave an indelible impact on our nation’s aerospace and defense legacy.

    Skills:

    '- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, MOR Books, sketches, engineering orders, work instructions, charts, graphs, and other source documents to determine the methods and sequence of operations for the machining of parts and materials and tooling. - Perform mathematical calculations using shop math, geometry and trigonometry to layout center lines, reference points, machining guidelines and angular dimensions on materials, parts, assemblies, and tooling for machining processes. - Apply a working knowledge of machining characteristics of various materials and metals to pre-set cutting tools on the machine. Adapt and/or improvise tooling where standard tooling is unavailable. - Set up and adjust machine controls to include speeds, feeds, and depth of cut, and proper axis to meet configuration requirements. Perform off-line and in-process machine setups. - Operate multi-position machines and perform contouring, profiling, turning, back spot facing, boring, milling, drilling, slotting, and tapping on materials, parts, assemblies, and tooling. - Proof numerical control (NC) programs and first article work. - Use hand, power tools and precision measuring instruments to check work in progress and final product for conformance to dimensional, configuration and surface finish requirements and tolerances. - Collect on machine statistical process control (SPC) data relative to machining operations. Record data and statistics manually or with the aid of a computer or computer-based system

    Education:
    1. School graduate or equivalent preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in related field. Requires U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Residency, or other status as a U.S. Person. Must be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement. Being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 may be a condition of employment at the company. Proof of vaccination or an accommodation request approved by us will be required prior to starting employment with the Company. Work Environment and Physical Requirements: The work environment may require a combination of indoor and outdoor activity (hot, cold, wet, humid conditions) with a varied amount of walking, standing, sitting, climbing (i.e. ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps), balance (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces), bending, reaching, handling/fingering (seizing, holding, grasping, turning picking, pinching), stooping, kneeling, crouching and ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds. Work may require the ability to operate material handling equipment (forklift, crane, hoist, man lift, etc.) in a safe manner. While performing the duties of this job, employees may work around variable noise levels or with fume or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, etc. requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shield), foot protection (i.e. steel toed shoes, rubber boots, etc.), gloves, hard hat, shop coat and hearing protection. Work requires the ability to change into or out of personal protective equipment when entering or exiting manufacturing, laboratory, or other areas. Some employees may be required to drive between various locations within the Company facility or between locations. Work duties may also be required to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer and/or the ability to travel by air or auto. Ability to distinguish colors may also be necessary. This position may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.


    JOB DESCRIPTION EEO Statement Apollo Professional Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status or characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.
  5. Post your job

    To find master machinists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any master machinists they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level master machinists with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your master machinist job on Zippia to find and recruit master machinist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit master machinists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new master machinist

    Once you've decided on a perfect master machinist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new master machinist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a master machinist?

There are different types of costs for hiring master machinists. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new master machinist employee.

You can expect to pay around $43,290 per year for a master machinist, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for master machinists in the US typically range between $15 and $27 an hour.

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