Machine Shop Technician
Metal Fabrication & Machining
Apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.
What Machine Shop Technicians Do
Apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.
Common Tasks
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
- 1Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
- 2Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
- 3Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
- 4Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
- 5Tack-weld fitted parts together.
Types of Machine Shop Technicians
Work Environment
Locations
- • Machine shops
- • Manufacturing plants
- • Metal fabrication shops
- • Tool-and-die or maintenance departments
- • Aerospace and automotive suppliers
Schedule
Most jobs run on a set shift schedule (often day, swing, or night shifts) with overtime common when production deadlines are tight.
Physical Demands
Work is hands-on and mostly standing, with frequent handling of metal parts, tools, and fixtures and repetitive motions. Expect moderate bending/twisting and walking, plus exposure to noise, coolants, and hot or sharp materials.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 757,800 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can increase when manufacturers bring work back domestically, expand production, or need replacement parts and maintenance machining. Growth in automation, aerospace, medical devices, and custom fabrication can also drive need for skilled CNC and precision machining workers.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong, transferable skills across many industries
- • Clear pathways to higher pay with CNC setup/programming skills
- • Work is practical and problem-solving focused
- • Opportunities in both production and custom one-off work
- • Skills can support self-employment or side work
Cons
- • High time pressure and tight tolerances can be stressful
- • Standing and repetitive work can be physically tiring
- • Risk of cuts, burns, and pinch-point injuries if safety slips
- • Some roles face declining employment due to automation
- • Shift work and overtime may be required
Common Questions About the Machine Shop Technician Trade
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