For Educators: Military Resources
Military Machinists
Median Salary
63,997
Workforce Count
2,759
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Machinists fabricate, repair, and modify 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.
What is the work environment like?
Machinists work in machine shops, which are often noisy.
How many people have this role in the Military?
2,759
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$92,534
2 Years
$70,746
6 Years
$92,534
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
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 may include:
- Machine types and uses
- Machine setup and operation
- Uses of different metals
- Safety procedures
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Investigative
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 Test