Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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. PayThe median annual wage for machinists was $58,750 in May 2025.The median annual wage for tool and die makers was $64,050 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 30,400 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for machinists and tool and die makers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
The median annual wage for machinists was $58,750 in May 2025.The median annual wage for tool and die makers was $64,050 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 30,400 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for machinists and tool and die makers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 30,400 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for machinists and tool and die makers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Work Environment
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.
How to Become a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for machinists was $58,750 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for tool and die makers was $64,050 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 30,400 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for machinists and tool and die makers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
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.
How to Become a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for machinists was $58,750 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for tool and die makers was $64,050 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 30,400 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for machinists and tool and die makers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for machinists and tool and die makers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.