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What is a Machinist?

Machinists set-up, control, and operate a variety of industrial machinery in the production of products and materials.  Machinist can utilize CNC machines and mechanical machine tools to convert raw materials into finished goods.  A machinist will also use industrial machines to build tooling, parts, and instruments in the fabrication process.  Machinists work in a variety of setting from traditional machine shops to factories and toolrooms across the country.   Machinists work in conjunction with operations managers, quality control technicians, and fabrication specialists to achieve business objectives.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Machinist Degree

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI) is a regional vocational-technical training school in Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania established as Centre County Vocational-Technical School in 1969. The institute offers numerous secondary programs, adult and continuing education programs, and online courses in scientific and technical areas to local public schools and adult learners.

The top ranked Precision Machinist Technology at CPI is a program that prepares students for employment in the rapidly evolving machine tool technology industry. The program begins with the basics of precision machining, the proper set-up and operation of machine tools and equipment like lathes, mills, grinders, and drills, and the interpretation of blueprints in order to produce parts with exact measurement specifications. Graduates of the program are also eligible to apply for certifications in the following areas: Bench Work and Layout, Manual Mill, Manual Lathe between Centers, Manual Lathe Chucking, CNC Milling Programing setup & operations, and CNC Lathe Programing setup & operations. For more details about the program, go to cpi.edu.

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the University of Cincinnati is a public research university founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College. It is among the best national universities in the United States with a student body of 44,000. Students in the university enjoy a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience through the learning opportunities within and outside the institution.

Offered at the Evendale campus at the University of Cincinnati, the CNC Machinist Operator and Programming Certification is training that provides the foundational concepts and skills related to machine safety, manual milling and turning, statistical process control, measurement and blueprint reading, and a broad overview of Computer Numerical Control (CNC). Students in the program learn the basics of machining applications, tooling criteria, and quality control of materials and products. Access the program requirements at cincinnatistate.edu.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, found in 1905, is a public two-year technical college offering 24 academic and technical programs for over 1,300 students. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the college is only accepting residents within the state with the exception of military veterans.

The Computer Integrated Machinist major at Thaddeus Stevens provides students with the actual operation of industrial equipment and tools used by production and manufacturing facilities which include computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathes and milling machines. An introduction to computer-controlled measuring machines and computer-aided design/computer-aided machining (CAD/CAM) software and its applications is also part of the curriculum. The college also offers a General Machine Certificate for a broad training experience essential for entry-level employment in the machining industry. Students under the program may enroll in the associate degree program upon completion. For more information, visit stevenscollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ranked as the top 5 public universities in the United States, Utah State University (USU) has been providing a wide array of academic and social opportunities since its founding in 1888. The university, located in Logan, Utah, houses almost 28,000 students from all over the world.

At USU, the top rated machinist degree involves the use of machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders as well as computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools. The program also covers the complete manufacturing process including blueprint reading, tool setup, and final finish and testing of machined parts. For details about admissions, visit usu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

90.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Arkansas Tech University is a public university founded in 1909 offering academic and technical programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels. The university, with three campuses in Arkansas, is dedicated to providing access to quality education and opportunities for excellence and intellectual development to its diverse campus community.

The Certificate of Proficiency in Machinist Operations program at Arkansas Tech - Ozark Campus prepares students for entry-level employment in the manufacturing of mechanical parts. The program includes training on the use of machine tools and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. The courses within the program can introduce professionals to a new career or enhance the skill set of an individual. For more information, visit atu.edu/ozark.

Acceptance Rate

94.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Formerly named Mesa State College, Colorado Mesa University is a comprehensive public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. The university has been providing high-quality education by offering numerous liberal arts, professional, and technical programs at the master's, bachelor's, associate, and certificate levels since 1925.

Offered by a division of Colorado Mesa University, the Machinist Technology degree at Western Colorado Community College is a program offering students hands-on training at one of the largest manufacturing education centers in Western Colorado with options for evening and summer classes. Throughout the program, students acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills required to operate various machine tools and equipment, from milling machines and manual lathes to computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machines. The program also covers the foundational aspects of blueprint reading, metrology, metallurgy, applied mathematics, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and CNC programming. To know more about the program curriculum, visit coloradomesa.edu.

Acceptance Rate

78.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Having a unique affiliation with Washburn University, the Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) is a public technical institute based in Kansas, United States. The institution provides exceptional career and technical education and grants associate degrees and certificates in professional and technical areas such as business, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and design.

At Washburn Tech, the Machinist Technician degree is a 48 credit-hour technical certificate that allows students to learn the basics in the machine tool technology industry. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to read technical information on blueprints, measure parts using precision measuring, operate various machine tools such as the engine lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, computerized numerical control milling machines, and computerized numerical control lathes. Graduates of the program are eligible to complete an associate or a more advanced degree at Washburn University. Washburn Tech also offers a fast-track Machine Tool Technician technical certificate that can be finished within one to two semesters. To get started with the program, visit washburntech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Morristown is one of the 27 technical colleges under one of the largest systems of public higher education in the United States, the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The college offers 14 full-time technical programs in its main campus located in Morristown, Tennessee.

The Machine Tool Technology major at TCAT Morristown is perfect for individuals interested in starting a career in the machining industry. The program teaches students skills and techniques required in machining metal by machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, drill presses, CNC milling machines, and EDM machines. The program gives students hands-on experience on various machine tools similar to those used in the industry. More information can be seen at tcatmorristown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

As part of the 46 institutions under the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - McMinnville offers facilities adequate for both instruction and non-instructional needs to support the hands-on learning and experience of students. The campus, located in McMinnville, Tennessee, was approved in 1964 with 6 full-time programs available for students.

The sixteen month Machinist course offered at TCAT McMinnville is for students to develop basic skills in machine tool operation while providing experiences on various machine tools similar in the industry. Some skills expected for students to learn include related blueprint reading, precision measuring, and basic metallurgy, and basic CAM software. Access the program requirements at tcatmcminnville.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,248 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Perry Technical Institute, established in 1939, is a private educational institution with a reputation for being a perfect training ground for students to become highly-skilled professionals. The school, located in Yakima, Washington, offers 14 specialized technical training programs created to equip students for a successful career in different industries.

At Perry Technical Institute, the one year Precision Machinist and Manufacturing program prepares students to become a trained machinist knowledgeable in theory and practical application of hands-on performance as well as computerized machining principles. The skills taught in the program include properties of metals, program-specific mathematics, blueprint reading as well as advanced machining techniques such as computer numerical control (CNC) programming and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Visit perrytech.edu to explore the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$42,175 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Previously named as the Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Jackson is one of the 27 technical colleges under the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The full-time programs and training offered by the college are designed to meet the needs of the industry for highly-skilled and professional workers.

The full-time sixteen month Machinist Tool Technology degree at TCAT Jackson provides students with the skills required in machining metal by machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and shapers. The program also includes the use of precision measuring tools as well as related techniques such as blueprint reading and basic metallurgy. The college also offers training on Tool and Die Machining for graduates of the Machine Tool Technology program who plan to work in the metalworking industry. Visit tcatjackson.edu for more information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Paris, founded in 1969, started with the conversion of one of the buildings in the Henry County High Schools to a vocational-technical school. Operating under the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the school offers 13 full-time technical programs on its campus in Paris, Tennessee.

The Machinist Program at TCAT Paris is on the cutting edge of the machine tool industry with access to 11 new machines in its facility. The program provides students with the fundamental knowledge of basic machine tool operation and setup procedures as well as skills in precision measurement, bench work, blueprint reading, and shop theory. Go to tcatparis.edu to check the details for admissions.

 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Athens first opened its doors as a technical college in 1965 under the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The college, based in Athens, Tennessee, aims to enhance the quality of life of every individual by providing access to lifelong education and training for all citizens in the area.

TCAT Athens offers a competitive Machinist Tool major suited for students interested in employment in the machining industry. Students are taught the skills needed to set up and operate various computer-controlled and mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision parts as well as cutting-edge techniques based on the standards from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). For details on admissions, go to tcatathens.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,296 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Murfreesboro, operating under the Tennessee Board of Regents System, is one of the colleges offering technology programs and training since 1976. It currently has two locations with the main campus located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Machinist course at TCAT Murfreesboro which can be completed within 16 months aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the methods of machining and metal fabrication as well as the basic theories behind them. Specific skills such as tool and special equipment usage, blueprints, layout, and advanced mathematics are also involved in the program. For more information about admissions, go to tcatmurfreesboro.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,105 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Murfreesboro, operating under the Tennessee Board of Regents System, is one of the colleges offering technology programs and training since 1976. It currently has two locations with the main campus located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Machinist courses at TCAT Murfreesboro which can be completed within 16 months aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the methods of machining and metal fabrication as well as the basic theories behind them. Specific skills such as tool and special equipment usage, blueprints, layout, and advanced mathematics are also involved in the program. For more information about admissions, go to tcatmurfreesboro.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Founded in 1966, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Livingston is one of the 27 technical colleges under the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The college offers full-time, part-time, secondary, supplemental, special industry, and public programs on its campus at Livingston, Tennessee.

The Machine Tool Technology program at TCAT Livingston is a full-time or part-time course for individuals looking for hands-on experience on various machine tools similar to those used in the machining industry. The program includes related mathematics and blueprints reading, precision measuring, and basic metallurgy as well as operation of drill presses, milling machines, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. Visit tcatlivingston.edu for more information about admissions.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Established under the supervision of the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Oneida/Huntsville has been providing a wide range of technical programs since 1997. It is located in Huntsville, Tennessee offering courses such as Automotive Technology, Patient Care Technician, and Welding program among others.

The 16-month Machist Tool Technology course at TCAT Oneida/Huntsville is perfect for students who desire to develop skills in machine tool operation as well as experience hands-on learning with various machine tools. Expected skills to be learned are blueprint reading, precision measuring, basic metallurgy, and heat-treating of metals. The facility also has the newest computer-controlled machines available for use of students. Check out tcatoneida.edu for more details about the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

As a member of the Colleges of Applied Technology in Tennessee, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Harriman is a key provider of state-of-art training for business and industry to prepare individuals for a career in the technical-vocational field since 1970. The college offers specialized programs such as Customized Industry Training that combines the individual needs of a business and the job-specific skills required in the industry.

At TCAT Harriman, the Machist Tooling major is designed to prepare students for opportunities in the machining field. Skills such as safety, drill presses, manual mills, precision machining, as well as advanced techniques such as Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) are covered in the program. The program typically lasts for 16 months and is only available for full-time students. Access tcatharriman.edu to check the admissions information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Shelbyville is one of 46 institutions in one of the largest systems of higher education in the country, the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The college which started operating in 1964 with only 6 programs, is now offering 18 programs as well as certificates, diplomas, professional certifications, and licensing.

The Machinist and Tooling degree at TCAT Shelbyville, taken either as full-time or part-time, consists of theory application and practical experience on different machines such as lathes, grinders, vertical and horizontal mills. As students advance, practical exercises on computer numerically controlled equipment will also be conducted with projects involving fabrication of usable tools and parts from metal and machinable plastics for students to acquire actual experience in the machining industry. Check out tcatshelbyville.edu to know more about the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,605 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Started operating in 1961 as the Linn Technical Junior College, State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) is one of the leaders in providing technical education within Missouri and nearby areas. The college is the only public two-year college within the state offering more than 35 programs in advanced technical training in different emerging and traditional industries.

The Precision Machinist Technology degree program at State Tech is an associate of applied science degree that prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of machine tool technology. The college, with over 15 Haas CNC machines, is an active member of the Haas Technical Education Center Network. Students in the program learn the basics of 3D modeling, water-jet cutting, computerized post-processing, rapid prototyping, and CNC set-up and operation. Upon completion of the Level 1 projects, students are automatically awarded a National Institute for Metalworking Skills Certification. Learn more about the program requirements at statetechmo.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Formerly named as the McKenzie State Area Vocational School, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - McKenzie operates under one of the largest systems of public higher education in the United States, the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The school first opened its doors in 1965 on its campus at McKenzie, Tennessee, with only 3 technical programs.

The 16-month full-time Machinist Tool Technology program at TCAT McKenzie is designed for future machine tool operators, machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial maintenance personnel. The program involves the use of machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, drill presses, CNC milling machines, EDM machines, and precision measuring tools. Details about admission can be seen at tcatmckenzie.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Jacksboro is one of the 46 institutions under the Tennessee Board of Regents System operating since 1968. Located in Caryville, Tennessee, the college offers nine technical programs as well as special industry training appropriate to meet the needs of the industry.

Students under the Machinist Tool course at TCAT Jacksboro are taught the skills required in machining metal by different machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, drill presses, CNC milling machines, and EDM machines. The machine tools used in this full-time program are similar to those used in the industry which gives the students an advantage of hands-on and actual experience. Visit tcatjacksboro.edu to explore the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,218 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Located in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the Indian Capital Technology Center is a technical school affiliated with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. It provides numerous full-time, short-term, and online technical programs and training to students, adults, and on-the-job trainees. ICTC is a highly regarded program that offers a variety of trades and academic pathways for students.  Motivated students can parlay this knowledge into a variety of career pathways upon completion or continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,098 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Located in Watertown, South Dakota, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is a public community college that offers 31 programs, 12 of which are available online to over 2,600 students across different technical areas. It was founded in 1965 as the first technical school to be established in the state. Today, LATC continues to develop its technical programs to maintain the excellence of its students.

The Precision Machinist degree at LATC is an 18-month program that provides one-on-one instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences in the field of machining. Students in the program learn the basics of working and taking advantage of the properties of metals as well as the proper usage and set-up of both manual and computer-controlled machines to fabricate machined products through the state-of-the-art precision machining laboratory with 23 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. More details can be seen at lakeareatech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Established in 1967, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Crossville is one of 46 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The college, based in Crossville, Tennessee, continues to produce highly-skilled workers who meet the demands of the industry with its 16 full-time technical programs.

Taken as either full-time or part-time, the Machinist Tool Technology degree at TCAT Crossville is a comprehensive program that teaches the fundamental knowledge and skills required in the machining industry as well as provides hands-on experience to students using the available machines in the facility. Other skills such as related blueprint reading and mathematics, precision measuring, and basic metallurgy are also included in the curriculum. Access the full program at tcatcrossville.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Training for Machinists

A machinist will receive extensive computer applications training in college. Examples of relevant applications include computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer aided drawing programs. In addition to computer applications and computer programming skills, machinists will take a number of math and science courses.

The mathematics classes and science classes help future machinists with computation, design, and manufacturing to exact specifications. Machinist will have the academic background and practical experience to specialize in any number of fields after college. A sampling of specialties can include: fluid power, engineering CAD, injected molding, automated machinery systems, CNC, electronics, plastic technology, machining technology, and welding.

Best Machinist Degree for You

Degree programs to become a machinist may include a number of paths.  In fact, many students enroll in various degree and certificate programs to become a qualified machinist.

Programs may include: welding, machine tool technology, machine shop technology, sheet metal technology, tool & die technology, metal fabrication, and/or computer numerically controlled (CNC) operation.  In addition to learning cutting-edge technology about machining, students can expect a solid foundation of the basics.

Essential skills may include the mastery of machine shop safety, lathes, drilling machines, measuring tools, saws, layout instruments, milling machines, and bench grinders to name a few.

Machinist Certificate Programs

Certificate programs provide students with the essentials to help master the machining trade.  A certificate track may be completed in a little as six months while other programs can take upwards of two-years to complete.

How fast you can earn a certificate will be a function of the course design along with your course load.  Students seeking to upskill or enter the field of machining can leverage a certificate to make the most of vocational opportunities.

Machinist Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in machining or related fields may be partially taken via distance learning or full in class.  Each school will determine which learning modalities are available for you to consider.

An associate degree can be conferred as either an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA).  How a school confers the degree will depend on the emphasis of the degree program.  Both AA and AS degree paths will require students to take a set of liberal arts classes along with core curricula.

Liberal arts classes may include English composition, sociology, economics, creative writing, and communications.   Core classes will depend on the degree path you choose.  In other words, a degree in welding will require different classes than a degree in tool & die technology or machine tool technology.

Educational Requirements for Machine Techs

In terms of educational requirements, a machinist major will take a number of technically-based classes. They will also be equipped with a number of math and science classes to provide essential problem-solving skills. Examples of classes you will find in a machine tool certificate program include:

Employment in Machining & Tooling

Tooling and machining majors will quickly learn valuable industrial skills in school. These production skills can be translated into many different industries across the economy. Outside the traditional tooling jobs at a machine shop, students may be interested in similar careers.

Specializations may require a combination of certification and training but can be viable for passionate graduates. A sampling of careers like machining include: auto mechanic, electronic engineer, electric motor repair, engineering CAD, power systems, industrial equipment repair, millwright, welder, heavy equipment mechanic, plastic technology manufacturing, and stationary engineer.

Job Growth & Salary Outlook for Machinists

The ONet database predicts a 4% increase in jobs for machinists in the coming decade.  Employment growth at this level will translate to 40,700 job openings during the coming reporting timeframe.  Meanwhile, industrial machinery mechanics and electrician jobs are set to jump by 16% and 14% respectively.  These two jobs alone will account for 123,000 new jobs in the near term.  The median income for a machinist is currently $42,600 or $20.48 an hour.  States paying machinists the highest wage include Alaska, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Delaware, and New Mexico.  The states hiring the most machinists are California and Illinois followed by Ohio and Michigan.

Resources in Tooling and Machining

Related fields include maintenance, repair, mechanic, equipment operator, engineer, and equipment repair.  Additional research can be performed outside academia via associations like the PMPA, NATM, and the NAM to help advance your career & level of expertise.

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