What does a machinist do?
- Read blueprints and plan how to make each part.
- Set up and run lathes, mills and CNC machines.
- Measure and check parts for exact accuracy.
- Build tools, dies and molds used in manufacturing.
Where do machinists work?
- Machine shops
- Factories and manufacturing plants
- Aerospace, automotive and medical-device makers
Is a career as a machinist right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You're precise and patient.
- You like computers and machines together.
- You enjoy making things that have to be exactly right.
How to become a machinist
Machinists usually start with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Many also train through apprenticeships, vocational schools or community colleges; tool and die makers may need extra coursework.
How much do machinists make?
The median pay for machinists in the U.S. was $59,620 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $39,200 to $80,010 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Machinist pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $58,750 |
| Massachusetts | $67,270 |
| New Hampshire | $61,500 |
Job outlook for machinists
U.S. employment of machinists is projected to change by −1% (decline) from 2025 to 2035, with about 30,400 openings each year on average. There were 344,900 machinist jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Employment is projected to dip slightly (about 1%), but workers retiring or changing jobs still create about 30,400 openings a year.
- Figures cover machinists and tool and die makers together.
- Overtime, nights and weekends can be common in some shops.
Machinist FAQ
What does a machinist do?
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machines, including computer-controlled (CNC) machines, to produce precision metal parts, instruments and tools. Typical work includes: read blueprints and plan how to make each part; set up and run lathes, mills and CNC machines; measure and check parts for exact accuracy; build tools, dies and molds used in manufacturing.
How do you become a machinist?
Machinists usually start with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Many also train through apprenticeships, vocational schools or community colleges; tool and die makers may need extra coursework.
How much do machinists make?
The median pay for machinists in the U.S. was $59,620 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Machinists and Tool and Die Makers). Most earn between $39,200 to $80,010 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are machinists in demand?
U.S. employment of machinists is projected to change by −1% (decline) from 2025 to 2035, with about 30,400 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay machinists the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for machinists were Massachusetts ($67,270), New Hampshire ($61,500), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.