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Advanced ManufacturingGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Machinist

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.

Annual openings

358

Median wage

$60,200

Typical education

High school (GED). Formal training or an Associate's degree is valued.

Growth 2026–2032

+5%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED). Formal training or an Associate's degree is valued.

Credential requirement

A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I Certification or graduation from vocational training or an apprenticeship is valued.

Work experience

Previous experience is expected with experience as a machine operator is valued.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability.
Are you skilled with tools and repair work? Interested in working with large machines in an exciting environment? As a machinist, you’ll occupy a skilled position on the production floor, operating complex machinery as part of a larger manufacturing system.
Machinists work with more advanced equipment than machine operators (such as multi-axis machines), so you’ll need to have some previous experience on an assembly line or working with mechanical tools and machines. Your job will be to start, run, and stop the machine in accordance with engineer-designed technical drawings, always checking to make sure the machine is functioning properly. You’ll change the settings on the machine if necessary and read data from gauges and screens. If the machine malfunctions, you’ll know exactly how to fix it.
You’ll examine the work pieces that come off of the machine using measurements and visual cues. If a product appears defective, you’ll report it and modify your equipment to fix the problem. You may need to perform physically difficult tasks like securing additional parts onto the machine or loading raw materials into it.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Manufacturing

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
  2. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
  3. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  4. Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
  5. Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
  6. Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
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