Machining

O*NET defines machinists as workers who set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal, and tool and die makers as workers who make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges and machinists’ hand tools. The second definition is a reminder that machining is the trade that makes the tools of other trades.

The machinist’s core tasks name the tools directly: micrometers and vernier calipers to calculate dimensions and tolerances, and lathes, milling machines, shapers and grinders to machine parts to specification. O*NET records 169 tool commodities for machinists and 156 for tool and die makers.

O*NET OnLine, the occupational database of the US Department of Labor, reports for Machinists (51-4041.00), 288,300 people in 2025, a median wage of $28.24 an hour ($58,750 a year), projected growth for 2025–2035 described as slower than average (1% to 2%), and 26,100 projected job openings; for Tool and Die Makers (51-4111.00), 56,700 people in 2025, a median wage of $30.79 an hour ($64,050 a year), projected growth for 2025–2035 described as decline (-1% or lower), and 4,300 projected job openings.