Machinists
SOC Code: 51-4041 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Machinists. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | $66,976 | $77,563 | $88,130 | $98,717 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $51,126 | $63,731 | $76,336 | $88,941 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $37,939 | $54,870 | $71,781 | $88,712 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $47,944 | $61,318 | $74,714 | $88,088 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $54,288 | $65,125 | $75,941 | $86,778 |
| Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area | $54,288 | $65,125 | $75,941 | $86,778 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $54,350 | $64,896 | $75,442 | $85,987 |
| Alaska nonmetropolitan area | $47,736 | $60,216 | $72,675 | $85,155 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $53,893 | $64,293 | $74,672 | $85,072 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $49,566 | $61,214 | $72,883 | $84,531 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 3.2 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 | |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 3.5 |
| Mechanical | 3.3 |
| Production and Processing | 3.3 |
| Design | 3.0 |
| English Language | 2.7 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.7 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 2.4 |
| Computers and Electronics | 2.4 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 35.9% |
| Some college | 33.1% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 17.3% |
| Less than high school | 13.6% |
Typical Tasks
- Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
- Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
- Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
- Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Autodesk AutoCAD Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software 3D Printing software Armchair Machinist software Autodesk Fusion 360 Autodesk HSMWorks CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator CNC Mastercam Computer aided design CAD software
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