Career opportunities for machinists

Posted by All Industrial Tool Supply on Sep 07, 2021

While we return from the long weekend celebrating Labor Day, it’s a nice reminder to think about the various work opportunities in our industry, and we thought it would be a great time to share some information about getting started in machining and metalworking.

As parts of the United States begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new employment opportunities emerging across the entire industry in segments like automotive, aerospace, energy, and education. There’s never been a better time to explore a new career, or to upgrade your existing skillset!

Career opportunities for machinists

Indeed, one of the most popular websites for job seekers and employers, currently shows more than 13,000 openings for machinists in the United States! The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed some of the weaknesses in the global supply chain, with large delays affecting many industries who import foreign-made goods.

Domestic production inside the USA is one possible solution to this problem, and increased interest in domestic manufacturing is driving the growth of career opportunities in turn. For example, All Industrial chose to produce our new line of Colton cutting tools in the USA to realize faster delivery times and higher quality finished products. This means American manufacturers and machine shops are expanding their teams and hiring new staff.

Machinist compensation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Machinists, Tool and Die Makers” earned a median pay of about $22 per hour in 2020, with increases available for those with additional experience and education. This role often enjoys on-the-job training, allowing high school graduates to start immediately without the requirement of a college degree.

Characteristics machinists need to succeed

As with any career, certain traits are beneficial and can help lead to success. Machinists benefit from these characteristics:

Ability to understand technical documents like specifications or blueprints
An appreciation for accuracy and consistency
Willingness to work with math and computer tasks
Physical strength and dexterity - you’ll need the ability to stand for long periods of time, move, and work with your hands
Willingness to grasp and learn technical skills and processes

Training and Education in Machining

Whether you’re thinking about a change or you’re already employed in the industry, continuing to expand your skills and knowledge is key to future growth. There are a few avenues to consider:

On the job training
Apprenticeships
Community and technical colleges - 2 year programs that train students for careers in machining. Check with your local community college for programs.

For all levels, building math skills are a must. Prospective machinists will benefit from geometry, blueprint reading, and drafting courses. Thanks to the growth of CAD/CAM and CNC technologies, computers play an increasing role in the modern machine shop, so keeping current computer skills is important also.

Where to search for machinist jobs

Ready to take the plunge? Some of the most popular services to connect employers and job seekers include:

All Industrial Tool Supply is a full service industrial distributor of high quality CNC cutting tools and machine shop tooling. We look forward to helping you become more productive as you grow in your career.