COULD YOU HAVE A CAREER IN PRECISION MACHINING?
See how many of the characteristic below you have!
- High School Math
(Algebra, Geometry, Trig) - Computer Skills
(No mad skills needed. General computer skills get it done
for design, operation and information logging.) - Ability to Learn by Doing
(Hands-on learning is the best way to learn.) - Personal Responsibility
(The precision machines can cost $250,000 or more. The
tools are valuable too. You have to have the ability to
respect and will to take care of the equipment.) - A Commitment to Quality
(The parts you would be making go into medical devices,
cars, trucks, airplanes and utilities. Important, right? They
cannot fail.) - Work Ethic
(Do you show up when you are supposed to? Are you
reliable? Do you take pride in what you do? If so, check
this box because you have a great work ethic!)
If you checked the boxes above, you have what it takes to have a career in Precision Machining. Congratulations!
What Does a Precision Machinist Earn?
- Typical operator and set up operator wages exceed Real Median Personal Income in the United States by over 24%!
- Real Median Personal Income in the United States 2019 $35,977 ($17.30/hr)
- PMPA average hourly salary (wage) in 2021*
All Occupations | $44,720 ($21.53/hr).
2- & 3-Axis CNC Setup/Operators | $47,382 ($22.78/hr)
Setup/Programmer | $59,592 ($28.65/hr)
*These wages do not include 401(k) , health Insurance, profit sharing or other employee benefit programs.

Precision Machining Careers
Entry-Level Careers
(with minimal certification)
- Press Operator
- Machinist
- Material Handler
- Maintenance Assistance
- Setup Technician
- Machine Operator
- Millwright
- Assembly Operator
Technical Careers
(with advanced certification, associate’s degree, or apprenticeship)
- Engineering Technician
- CAD Operator
- CNC Programmer
- Manufacturing Production Technician
- Quality Technician
- Tool & Die Maker
- Robotics Programmer
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic
- Electro Mechanical Technician
- Industrial Sales
Professional Careers
(with bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or specialized training & experience)
- Mechanical Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Project Manager
- Sales Manager
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Assembly Supervisor
- Plant Engineer