With an expected growth of 17% by 2020, machining is a growing career pathway for those interested in hands-on, focused work.
Many of these positions include machining parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
2014 Median Wage: $17.68
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Others
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Positions
- Gear Machinist
- Journeyman Machinist
- Machine Operator
- Machine Repair
- Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- Maintenance Specialist
- Production Machinist
- Set-Up Machinist
- Tool Room Machinist
Skills
- Operation Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Initiative
- Self-Control
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Integrity
- Persistence
- Innovation
- Cooperation