For Educators: Military Resources
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.
Private for profit
Self-employed
Federal Government
State and local government
Private not for profit
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to decline 0 percent from 2023 to 2033. Despite declining employment, about 35,400 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.
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC TestData supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.