Machinist Job Description

Out of the many career opportunities in the technical manufacturing industry, a job as a machinist is one of the most prominent. A machinist is a professional who is an expert in handling production of precision tools and equipment, using his skills and expertise. The services he provides are typically required by companies from the manufacturing and production industry.

Job Description

Generally, there are three types of machinists working in the manufacturing sector today; namely production machinists, precision machinists, and maintenance machinists. Each role has its own share of responsibilities and tasks. However, there are some duties that may be common for all these technical experts.

Machinists are proficient in properties of metals and using shaping machines, milling equipment, and grinders for manufacturing precision metal parts. The best examples of components that machinists make are nuts, bolts, vehicle pistons, and other precision parts. Before a machinist starts working, he studies and understands the specifications and computerized blueprints for the project.

After learning what the task entails, they choose the appropriate tools and equipment for operations, decide on a schedule and pattern for cutting and working on metals, and perform any other related tasks. They cut and modify the metals, pay attention to the temperature of the metals while being operated in the shaping machines, and mold the metals according to the specifications.

Once the task is complete, they employ measuring equipment to assess the level of accuracy of the manufactured components. Nowadays, machinists have to be well versed in operating computerized machines that work on raw metals and finishing precision parts. They may also be handed over the responsibility of maintaining the proper functioning of the tools and equipment in the production facility.

A maintenance machinist has to repair operating parts and replace defunct components of machines. Today's machinists are required to be abreast with the latest technologies of manufacturing precision parts, which use lasers and water jets for operations. The job description relates to all production work using technical aspects as well as physical capabilities.

Average Salary Range

Classification by Years of Experience
1 - 4 years: $26,000 to $49,000
5 - 9 years: $30,000 to $56,000
10 - 19 years: $36,000 to $54,000
20 or more years: $49,000 to $81,000

Classification by State
Minnesota: $47,000 to $74,000
Illinois: $25,000 to $63,000
New York: $41,000 to $58,000
California: $50,000 to $91,000

Classification by Industry
Precision Machined Product Manufacturing: $36,000 to $61,000
Aerospace and Defense: $39,000 to $87,000
Steel and Metal Manufacturing: $37,000 to $72,000
Machinery and Tools Manufacturing: $32,000 to $51,000

Classification by Type of Employer
Manufacturing Company: $37,000 to $61,000
Federal Government Facility: $25,000 to $41,000
State or Local Government Facility: $37,000 to $88,000
Self Employed: $41,000 to $52,000

If you are planning to become a machinist, you really got to be a technically inclined person. For carrying out the tasks in the job description, you need to have skills such as craftsmanship, a good attention to specific detail, understanding blueprints, finding out irregularities, etc. With technical education and trainings, you also need a good amount of on-the-job work experience to excel in a career as a machinist.