Machinists
Description OES Code: 89108
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools. Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools and maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. Study specifications, such as blueprints, sketch, or description of part to be replaced, and plan sequence of operations.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.01
25th Percentile $10.25
50th Percentile $14.89
75th Percentile $20.68

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.81
25th Percentile $7.98
50th Percentile $14.00
75th Percentile $19.50

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Although most machine tool jobs are day shift, Machinists and Tool Programmers may work on any of three eight-hour shifts. Evening and night shift workers normally receive a shift premium. A forty-hour, five-day workweek is normal.

Benefits almost always include paid vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and retirement plans. Although most machine tool jobs are day shift, Machinists and Tool Programmers may work on any of three eight-hour shifts. Evening and night shift workers normally receive a shift premium. A forty-hour, five-day workweek is normal.

Benefits almost always include paid vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and retirement plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 47,000
Projected Employment 2008 55,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 18.5%
Separations 1998-2008 10,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 370
Projected Employment 2006 420
Percent Change 1999-2006 13.5%
Separations 1999-2006 50

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Experienced machine tool operators can advance to specialist Machinist, and then to all-around journey-level Machinist or Tool Programmer as they gain experience and take additional training. In some machine shops, experienced specialist Machinists are eligible to participate in employer-sponsored skills upgrading programs and progress to full journey-level status.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should apply directly to unions, local offices of the California Employment Development Department, manufacturing firms and machine shops. Newspaper help wanted ads are all good sources of job leads. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards for information about apprenticeship programs.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
The best preparation for Machinists is a formal apprenticeship program which includes full time work, on-the-job training and job related classroom instruction. Most apprenticeship programs are four years in length and lead to all-around journey-level status. Some two-year apprenticeships are also available, leading to specialist Machinist jobs. Apprentice applicants usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or qualifying scores on the General Educational Development (GED) or the California Proficiency Test.

High school or vocational school courses should include mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting. Use of computer controlled machine tools is increasing, so basic computers and electronics courses are also needed.

Training in machine tool technology is available at community colleges, private trade/technical schools, and Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) which are operated by high school districts throughout the State.

Skills & Other Requirements
Machinists and Tool Programmers need mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and visual acuity. Additionally, skilled workers must be able to work independently and be temperamentally suited to do exacting work that requires close and continuous concentration.

References
California Occupational Guide: #9

Related Occupations: Tool & Die Makers, Sheet Metal Workers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)