Home >

• Total Employment: 326,520
• Average Annual Salary: $36,962
• Average Hourly Rate: $17.77

• High School Diploma or GED
• Post-Secondary Certificate
• Less than a High School Diploma
• Some College Courses

• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
• Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
• Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
• Evaluate experimental procedures, and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency and adaptability to setup and production.
• Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated and cooled.
• Program computers and electronic instruments such as numerically controlled machine tools.

• Experience
• Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
• Education
• Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
• Job Training
• Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
• Examples
• These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.