Headline risk
9%
Low RiskMachinists
United States AI Work Index tracks this occupation on the shared structural baseline and then layers on local demand resilience, wages, and confidence.
Why This Score
Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities
Median annual wage
Projected employment change over 10 years
Typical preparation needed for this occupation
Occupation profile
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.
Task evidence
100% weighted task match · 0% effective coverage
Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works
United States Now
Median Wage
USD 56,150
Employment 2024
299.5K
Projected Change (2024–34)
0.0%
Openings (2024–34)
29.5K
Wage distribution
Demand outlook
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
Role Profile
Tasks
- 1. Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers. AI use: 0%
- 2. Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. AI use: 0%
- 3. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. AI use: 0%
- 4. Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. AI use: 0%
- 5. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. AI use: 0%
- 6. Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. AI use: 0%
Technologies
Requirements
Work context
Worker profile
Median age 45.7 · 309K employed
Under 25: 7% · 25–54: 61% · 55+: 31%
Related
No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.
Source coverage
11/11 source families · O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Mapping quality
title_match · employment series present
Narrative & sources
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Machinists and tool and die makers work in machine shops and factories. Many work full time during regular business hours. However, working overtime, as well as nights and weekends, may be common.
Although machinists typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation, tool and die makers also may need to complete postsecondary courses. Machinists and tool and die makers typically are trained on the job. Some learn through training or apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community and technical colleges.
The median annual wage for machinists was $56,150 in May 2024.
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
Published limitations
This page shows the local country layer, not realised individual job outcomes. The global structural baseline is shared across countries; only the local demand and wage layer changes here.
Built from O*NET occupation descriptions, task statements, technology skills, work context, Job Zones, Anthropic task penetration, BLS OEWS wages, BLS projection tables, BLS ORS requirements, BLS OOH narrative content, BLS skills data, and BLS CPS occupation age tables.