Working Conditions
Machinists now work in cleaner environments than they did in the past. Modern machine shops are relatively quiet, adequately ventilated, and equipped with modern, computer-controlled machinery. Many machinists use computer-controlled tools like CNC machines to produce parts.
Safety is an important concern for machinists, even in an age of advanced machinery. Often exposed to moving parts such as disc grinders, blades, drilling bits, laser-equipped tools, water jets, and electrified wires, machinists continually face a significant amount of risk. Therefore, they should exercise extreme caution while operating moving equipment.
Exposure to noise, vibration, and hazardous substances like chemicals and lubricants is also a constant concern. Manufacturers always insist that machinists wear protective equipment like safety goggles, protective clothing, industrial gloves, and hard-sole shoes.
Many aspects of machinist jobs require heavy lifting and moving. Additionally, such jobs require workers to remain on their feet for long periods of time and call for significant amounts of physical exertion. However, most machine shops possess automated loaders and overhead cranes.
Most machinists work 40 hours a week. However, many companies also operate weekend and evening shifts to justify their heavy investments in machine-shop equipment. In addition to operating machining equipment, machinists also perform equipment maintenance and repair.
Training and Qualifications
Machinists may go through informal or formal training. They either begin as apprentices or complete programs at technical schools. Alternatively, earning a degree in machine tool technology is a great option. Machinists, of course, should be mechanically inclined, and they need to have strong problem-solving and mathematical skills. Most aspiring machinists complete coursework that includes subjects like physics, mechanics, and mechanical drawing. Their work requires a great degree of accuracy and concentration.
Many colleges and training institutes are implementing curricula developed by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), which oversees a certification program for machinists. Machinists certified by NIMS are eligible for better employment opportunities in the field.
Opportunities and Wages
With increasing reliance on automation, machinists must adjust to an evolving employment situation in the United States. According to information posted on the website of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although the number of machinist jobs is expected to grow more slowly than average compared to the numbers of opportunities in other fields through 2014, there are not enough skilled machinists to fill existing jobs.
The average hourly wage of machinists was around $16 in May 2004. Individuals employed in the aerospace sector earned the highest hourly wages—around $17 per hour—while those working in employment-related services earned the lowest wages—around $11 per hour.
Summary
Experience plays a great role in shaping the career of a machinist. Experienced machinists can eventually obtain jobs with larger organizations with higher levels of automation or get promoted to supervisory or administrative positions in their current organizations. Many machinists eventually open their own machine shops, providing independent or contract-based services to specific industries.
