Career Profile
Machinists
Machinists set up, operate, and potentially fabricate or modify a variety of machine tools and parts used to produce precision parts and instruments.
General Information
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. Machinists who primarily program or operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment are classified in Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Programmers (51-9160).
Training Funds Available
This is a Rural Capital Area Target Occupation.
Training and education opportunities are available with eligible providers throughout the state.
Please visit the Texas Workforce Commission website for more details.
Watch a brief video about this occupation. Watch Video
Machinists
Occupational Outlook
For the Rural Capital Area
Job Opportunities
Over the next five years, an average of 105 openings per year are projected for Machinists.
Employment Change
Employment for Machinists is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 14.8% between 2023 and 2028.
Earnings Potential
An average worker in this occupation is paid $22.76/hour. Entry level workers are paid $16.88, while experienced workers are paid $27.45. The median wage is comparable to average regional wages across occupations.
Local Employment Opportunities
There are 698 Machinists in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 800.
Top 5 Employing Industries, Locally
The top industries employing Machinists are Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing, Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing, and Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing.
Knowledge Areas
The top most significant knowledge categories for Machinists include Mathematics, Mechanical, and Production and Processing.
Educational Attainment Patterns
The most common level of education for Machinists is HS diploma or less. 0% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.