Machinists
On the Job
Machinists work on machine tools to make precision parts and instruments. They may maintain industrial machinery, using knowledge of mechanics, math, and metal properties.
Physical Demands 
This career requires time standing, walking, or running.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
- Exchange information with colleagues.
- Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.
- Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Typical Working Conditions
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Working with a group or team.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
