What They Do
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. Machinists who primarily program or operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment are classified in "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Programmers" (51-9160).
Employment Impact
290.7K
People employed
5.8M
Estimated global impact (extrapolated from US market data)
AI Impact Overview
Machinists face medium vulnerability to AI due to the rise of automation in manufacturing processes, but skilled machinists will continue to be valuable in roles involving advanced programming, customization, setup, and troubleshooting.
Detailed Analysis
While many repetitive machining tasks are increasingly handled by CNC machines and automated systems, machinists with skills in programming, maintenance, and complex prototyping remain in demand. Routine operators may face job reduction, but those open to upskilling into tech-integrated and supervisory positions will adapt more easily.
Opportunity
"By embracing new technology and focusing on continuous learning, machinists can ensure their roles evolve alongside advanced manufacturing, securing long-term career opportunities."
AI Risk Assessment
Risk level varies by experience level
Junior Level
Entry-level, repetitive machinist tasks are most susceptible to automation and software-driven CNCs, leading to fewer manual roles.
Mid-level
Mid-level machinists who can adapt by learning machine programming, digital setup, and automation oversight will fare better as routine jobs are automated.
Senior Level
Senior machinists who combine deep practical knowledge with technical, management, or supervision skills are best positioned to manage, maintain, or improve automated systems.
AI-Driven Job Forecasts
2 Years
Near-term Outlook
Job Outlook
Modest continued automation in large-scale facilities, with growing preference for machinists skilled in CNC operation and troubleshooting; limited reduction in total roles.
Transition Strategy
Take introductory courses on CNC programming; learn basic AI-driven maintenance systems; join professional machinist organizations; attend workshops.
5 Years
Medium-term Impact
Job Outlook
Noticeable shift—automated systems replace many basic machining jobs. Increased demand for skilled machinists capable of programming, operating, and maintaining advanced machinery.
Transition Strategy
Obtain certifications in robotics, machine learning basics for manufacturing, and advanced CNC; seek apprenticeship or mentorship in automated environments.
7+ Years
Long-term Vision
Job Outlook
Roles for routine manual machining become rare outside custom/prototype shops. Prevalence of hybrid machinist-technician and supervisor jobs; talent favored if AI/automation is embraced.
Transition Strategy
Transition into supervisory, quality assurance, or machine integration roles; consider teaching or consulting; develop adjacent digital and AI project skills.
Industry Trends
Additive Manufacturing Integration
Opens new roles and collaborations in hybrid subtractive/additive processes.
Advanced Quality Control Systems
Increases demand for expertise in automated inspection and process validation.
Collaborative Robotics Cobots
Promotes team-based automation with human workers, shifting machinist skills towards collaboration and system management.
Digital Twins and Simulation
Machinists must learn to interpret and work with simulated production models for setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Increased Customization and Prototyping
Shifts surviving machining roles towards high-mix, low-volume, and creative custom work.
Industry 40 and Smart Factory Adoption
Accelerates automation and integration, changing machinist role focus to monitoring, programming, and oversight.
Regulatory Compliance and Traceability
Machinists increasingly responsible for digital documentation and compliance checks.
Remote Monitoring and Cloud Analytics
Raises importance of digital skills and ability to interface with remote support and AI analytics.
Reshoring and Localization of Production
Potentially increases opportunities in U.S.-based plants but with greater emphasis on advanced skills.
Sustainable and Green Manufacturing
Emergence of eco-conscious machining practices and new tech compliance.
AI-Resistant Skills
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Equipment Installation and Troubleshooting
Alternative Career Paths
Technical Sales Engineer
Serves as customer-facing expert for hardware solutions.
Relevance: Machinists’ experiential expertise aids technical communication.
Process Improvement Specialist
Identifies and implements strategies to enhance business processes and increase efficiency.
Relevance: Machinists’ operational insights are well-suited for process upgrades.
Quality Control Inspector
Ensures completed work meets regulatory, safety, and client specifications.
Relevance: Machinists’ detail orientation and technical background are crucial here.
Emerging AI Tools Tracker
Full AI Impact Report
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References
Other Roles in: Production Category
| 🔧Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | HIGH | 1.5M29.8M |
| 🏭First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | MODERATE | 671.2K13.4M |
| 🔍Inspectors Testers Sorters Samplers and Weighers | HIGH | 584.6K11.7M |
| 🔥Welders Cutters Solderers and Brazers | MODERATE | 421.7K8.4M |
| 📦Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | HIGH | 371.6K7.4M |
| 🔌Electrical Electronic and Electromechanical Assemblers Except Coil Winders Tapers and Finishers | HIGH | 267.4K5.3M |
| 🔧Production Workers All Other | HIGH | 243.5K4.9M |
| 🍞Bakers | MODERATE | 220.2K4.4M |
| 🔧Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | MODERATE | 187.7K3.8M |
| 🧺Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | MODERATE | 185K3.7M |
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