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Machinists

Manufacturing

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo

Work Environment

Machinists work in machine shops which are often noisy.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $57,952

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $23,357 - $180,263

Overview

Machinists perform various duties incident to fabrication, repair or modification, and motor transport. They are experienced machine tool operators who use a variety of equipment and devices, such as lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other machine shop equipment.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Machinists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Machine types and uses
  • Machine setup and operation
  • Uses of different metals
  • Safety procedures
  • Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to apply mathematical formulas
  • Interest in making things and finding solutions to mechanical problems
  • Preference for working with the hands

Related Civilian Careers

  • Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
  • Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers and Weighers
  • Machinists
  • Maintenance Workers, Machinery