Military Machinists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Machinists perform various duties incident to fabrication, repair, or modification of machinery components or other metallic and non-metallic parts. They are experienced machine tool operators who use a variety of equipment and devices, such as lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other machine shop equipment. They may also utilize computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, as well as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM) software.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Machinists work in machine shops, which are often noisy.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Manufacturing
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Machinists in the Military
3,091
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$57,952
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$23,357 - $180,263
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
High school 35%
-
Post-secondary certificate 33%
-
Some college 17%
-
Less than high school 13%
-
Master's degree 0%
-
Doctoral degree 0%
-
Bachelor's degree 0%
-
Associate's degree 0%
-
Post baccalaureate 0%
-
Post-doctoral training 0%
-
Post-master's certificate 0%
-
First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Machinists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Machine types and usesMachine setup and operationUses of different metalsSafety proceduresComputer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program