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Manual Machinist

  • Certificate
  • 30 credits
  • 1 Year
  • Delivery Method: On-Campus

Why Study Manual Machinist at 91ɬÂþ?

This 30-credit certificate trains students to work in a manual machining environment. Students will learn setups in machining, inspection of parts made on vertical mills, lathes, and grinders. Using jigs and fixtures necessary to these parts will be covered as well as the materials to use in manufacturing.

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Career Information

Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!

Is Manufacturing right for you?

Manufacturing workers work with products and equipment. You might design a new product, decide how the product will be made, or make the product. You might work on cars, computers, appliances, airplanes, or electronic devices.

$60K

$28/hr

Median annual salary/wage for
Machinists
in Minnesota

Details

8%

Projected job growth
in the next decade

Details

300K

Machinists are currently employed

Details

This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (). Full list of datasources.

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Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Machinists

the United States

$56K
$27/hr

$38K - $79K

$18/hr - $37/hr

Minnesota

$60K
$28/hr

$45K - $77K

$21/hr - $37/hr

Duluth, MN Area

$60K
$28/hr

$38K - $77K

$18/hr - $36/hr

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.

Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (). Current as of May 2024.

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Projected 10-Year Job Growth for Machinists

Outlook: Below Average

the United States

0%

Projected Annual Job Openings: 29,500

2024 to 2034

Minnesota

8%

Projected Annual Job Openings: 1,280

2022 to 2032

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Employment Numbers for Machinists

the United States

Estimated Employment:

299,500

Minnesota

Estimated Employment:

11,830

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Alternative Job Titles for Machinists

  • CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist)
  • CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)
  • Gear Machinist
  • Machine Repair Person
  • Machinist
  • Maintenance Machinist
  • Manual Lathe Machinist
  • Production Machinist
  • Tool Room Machinist

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Job Tasks and Activities for Machinists

  • Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
  • Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
  • Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
  • Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.
  • Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
  • Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
  • Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
  • Conduct test runs of production equipment.
  • Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
  • Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
  • Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
  • Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
  • Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
  • Determine metal or plastic production methods.
  • Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
  • Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
  • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
  • Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
  • Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
  • Dispose of trash or waste materials.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
  • Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
  • Exchange information with colleagues.
  • Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
  • Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.
  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
  • Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
  • Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
  • Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
  • Maintain production or processing equipment.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Operate cutting equipment.
  • Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
  • Operate grinding equipment.
  • Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
  • Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production.
  • Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
  • Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
  • Program equipment to perform production tasks.
  • Replace worn equipment components.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
  • Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
  • Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
  • Sort recyclable materials.
  • Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  • Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.
  • Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
  • Test materials, solutions, or samples.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Interests for Machinists

  • Realistic
    Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors.
  • Conventional
    Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.
  • Investigative
    Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Skills for Machinists

In order of importance

  • Operation and Control
    Using equipment or systems.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Operations Monitoring
    Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Monitoring
    Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Critical Thinking
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Coordination
    Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Active Listening
    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speaking
    Talking to others.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Complex Problem Solving
    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Quality Control Analysis
    Testing how well a product or service works.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Troubleshooting
    Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Time Management
    Managing your time and the time of other people.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Repairing
    Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Social Perceptiveness
    Understanding people's reactions.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Mathematics
    Using math to solve problems.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Reading Comprehension
    Reading work-related information.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Equipment Maintenance
    Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Active Learning
    Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Judgment and Decision Making
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Equipment Selection
    Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Writing
    Writing things for co-workers or customers.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Systems Analysis
    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Systems Evaluation
    Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Instructing
    Teaching people how to do something.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Installation
    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Negotiation
    Bringing people together to solve differences.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Persuasion
    Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Service Orientation
    Looking for ways to help people.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Learning Strategies
    Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Management of Personnel Resources
    Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Operations Analysis
    Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Technology Design
    Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Management of Material Resources
    Managing equipment and materials.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Programming
    Writing computer programs.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Management of Financial Resources
    Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Science
    Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
    Importance: 13/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Knowledge for Machinists

In order of importance

  • Mathematics
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    Importance: 62/100
  • Mechanical
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
    Importance: 58/100
  • Production and Processing
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
    Importance: 57/100
  • Design
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Engineering and Technology
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    Importance: 43/100
  • English Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
    Importance: 43/100
  • Customer and Personal Service
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Computers and Electronics
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
    Importance: 34/100
  • Education and Training
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Physics
    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
    Importance: 30/100
  • Administration and Management
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Administrative
    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
    Importance: 26/100
  • Building and Construction
    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
    Importance: 21/100
  • Personnel and Human Resources
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
    Importance: 20/100
  • Transportation
    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
    Importance: 17/100
  • Public Safety and Security
    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Chemistry
    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Economics and Accounting
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
    Importance: 12/100
  • Telecommunications
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
    Importance: 11/100
  • Communications and Media
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
    Importance: 9/100
  • Sales and Marketing
    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
    Importance: 9/100
  • Biology
    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
    Importance: 8/100
  • Foreign Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
    Importance: 8/100
  • Psychology
    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
    Importance: 8/100
  • Law and Government
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
    Importance: 7/100
  • Sociology and Anthropology
    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
    Importance: 7/100
  • Medicine and Dentistry
    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Philosophy and Theology
    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Fine Arts
    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
    Importance: 6/100
  • History and Archeology
    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
    Importance: 1/100
  • Geography
    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
    Importance: 1/100
  • Therapy and Counseling
    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
    Importance: 1/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Physical Abilities for Machinists

In order of importance

  • Finger Dexterity
    Putting together small parts with your fingers.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    Keeping your arm or hand steady.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Manual Dexterity
    Holding or moving items with your hands.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Control Precision
    Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Selective Attention
    Paying attention to something without being distracted.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Problem Sensitivity
    Noticing when problems happen.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Deductive Reasoning
    Using rules to solve problems.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Near Vision
    Seeing details up close.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Rate Control
    Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Multilimb Coordination
    Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Visualization
    Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Oral Comprehension
    Listening and understanding what people say.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Information Ordering
    Ordering or arranging things.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Perceptual Speed
    Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speech Clarity
    Speaking clearly.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Flexibility of Closure
    Seeing hidden patterns.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Written Comprehension
    Reading and understanding what is written.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speech Recognition
    Recognizing spoken words.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Category Flexibility
    Grouping things in different ways.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Reaction Time
    Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Inductive Reasoning
    Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Oral Expression
    Communicating by speaking.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Mathematical Reasoning
    Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Far Vision
    Seeing details that are far away.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Wrist-Finger Speed
    Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Written Expression
    Communicating by writing.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Number Facility
    Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Trunk Strength
    Using your lower back and stomach.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Auditory Attention
    Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Extent Flexibility
    Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Depth Perception
    Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Time Sharing
    Doing two or more things at the same time.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Fluency of Ideas
    Coming up with lots of ideas.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Hearing Sensitivity
    Telling the difference between sounds.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Originality
    Creating new and original ideas.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Response Orientation
    Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Static Strength
    Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Speed of Closure
    Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Visual Color Discrimination
    Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Memorization
    Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Dynamic Strength
    Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Stamina
    Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Gross Body Coordination
    Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Gross Body Equilibrium
    Keeping your balance or staying upright.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Speed of Limb Movement
    Quickly moving your arms and legs.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Spatial Orientation
    Knowing where things are around you.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Explosive Strength
    Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Sound Localization
    Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Peripheral Vision
    Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Dynamic Flexibility
    Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Glare Sensitivity
    Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Night Vision
    Seeing at night or under low light.
    Importance: 13/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Tools and Technology used by Machinists

  • Calipers
  • Horizontal turning center
  • Drill press or radial drill
  • Hammers
  • Height gauges
  • Boring machines
  • Gage block set
  • Micrometers
  • Screwdrivers
  • Drilling machines
  • Manual press brake
  • Platform lift
  • Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe
  • Turret lathe
  • Punches or nail sets or drifts
  • Spot welding machine
  • Grinding machines
  • Shears
  • Sharpening stones or tools or kits
  • Power saws
  • Hacksaw
  • Casting machines
  • Hex keys
  • Dial indicator or dial gauge
  • Mill saw file
  • Double ended stud
  • Horizontal machining center
  • Induction heating machine
  • Cold chisels
  • Threading machine
  • Machine end mill
  • Slings
  • Ratchets
  • Arbors
  • Welder torch
  • Radius gauge
  • Half round file
  • Bench vises
  • Surface grinding machine
  • Multi-tasking or universal machining center
  • Hydraulic press frames
  • Blow torch
  • Facial shields
  • Power buffers
  • Levels
  • Safety glasses
  • Surface gauge
  • Shaper cutter
  • Cylinder gauge
  • Vertical machining center
  • Thermal spray machine
  • Column and knee milling machine
  • Chamfering machine
  • Socket sets
  • Welding masks
  • Power drills
  • Squares
  • Metal broaching machines
  • Milling machines
  • Bench dog
  • Center gauge
  • Angle cutter
  • Plasma arc welding machine
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
  • Wedges
  • Pitch measuring instruments
  • Rulers
  • Wave soldering machine
  • Power grinders
  • Planing machines
  • Tube bending machine
  • Threading die hand tool
  • Locking pliers
  • Sledge hammer
  • Taps
  • Power chippers
  • Sine bar
  • Traveling column milling machine
  • Power planes
  • Protractors
  • Ball peen hammer
  • Deburring tool
  • Telescoping gauge
  • Tungsten inert gas welding machine
  • Metal cutters
  • Pneumatic sanding machines
  • Thread counters or gauges
  • Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
  • End cut pliers
  • Feeler gauges
  • Rubber mallet
  • Adjustable angle plate
  • Hand reamer
  • Metal inert gas welding machine
  • Saws
  • Magnetic tools
  • Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine
  • Metal band sawing machine
  • Honing machine
  • Flat hand file
  • Coordinate measuring machines CMM
  • Workshop cranes
  • Ladders
  • Putty knives
  • Pry bars
  • Hand clamps
  • Scribers
  • Utility knives
  • Forklifts
  • Anvils
  • Combination wrenches
  • Tongs
  • Laser printers
  • Grinders
  • Desktop computers
  • Swaging tools
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Chucks
  • Needlenose pliers
  • Personal computers
  • Pipe wrenches
  • Power sanders
  • Binocular light compound microscopes
  • Combination pliers
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
    • Autodesk Fusion 360
    • Autodesk HSMWorks
    • CNC Mastercam
    • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
    • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
    • GRZ Software MeshCAM
    • IMSI TurboCAD
    • JETCAM
    • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
    • OneCNC CAD/CAM
    • Vero Software SURFCAM
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Computer aided design CAD software
    • 3D Printing software
    • Autodesk AutoCAD
    • Computer aided design CAD software
    • Dassault Systemes CATIA
    • Kentech Kipware Studio
    • OnShape
    • PTC Creo Parametric
    • Siemens NX
    • SolidCAM CAM software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • ERP software
    • JobBOSS
    • SAP software
  • Analytical or scientific software
    • Armchair Machinist software
    • CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
    • Kentech Kipware Trig Kalculator
  • Industrial control software
    • EditCNC
    • Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Electronic mail software
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Office suite software
    • Microsoft Office software
  • Word processing software
    • Microsoft Word
  • Object or component oriented development software
    • G-code
  • Procedure management software
    • Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Employment Industries for Machinists

  • Machine shops
    62,800 employed
  • Machinery manufacturing (3331,2,4,9)
    31,700 employed
  • Metalworking machinery manufacturing
    21,700 employed
  • Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
    20,700 employed
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (3321,2,5,6,9)
    19,200 employed
  • Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
    12,400 employed
  • Turned product and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing
    10,500 employed
  • Temporary help services
    9,400 employed
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
    8,700 employed
  • Engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing
    8,000 employed

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Career Information Datasources for Machinists

  • Wages by occupation

    The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available. Current as of May 2024.
  • Education and training assignments

    BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. In the education and training system, each of the occupations for which the office publishes projections data is assigned separate categories for education, work experience, and on-the-job training. Current as of September 2024.
  • Occupation data

    The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements. Current as of October 2024.
  • Occupation outlook

    My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations. Current as of November 2024.
  • Career videos

    Explore our collection of videos on hundreds of different careers. Career videos are organized into 16 clusters, or related types of work. Select a category to view a list of videos related to that cluster. Videos include career details such as tasks, work settings, education needed, and more. Current as of rolling.
  • Educational attainment, typical education of current workers

    BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. Educational attainment data for each occupation show the level of education achieved by current workers. Current as of September 2024.

Plan Your Education

The Manual Machinist Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at 91ɬÂþ

View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.

This program may be completed in 1 year if prerequisites are complete.

Paying for College

Lake Superior College$5,93191ɬÂþ IceHawks Logo 
Minnesota State Colleges$6,444 
Minnesota State Universities$10,643 
University of Minnesota$14,928 
Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities$44,928
*Based on average 2025-26 tuition and fees. For the exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. Does not include room and board.

Program Participation Requirements

Pre-program Requirements

Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English, mathematics, and reading. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the prerequisites listed below:

English/Reading:

  • Eligible for ENGL 1106 - College Composition I, or
  • Completion of ENGL/READ 0950/0955 (or equivalent or higher). ENGL/READ 0950/0955 may be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.

Mathematics:

  • A score of 250 or higher on the Arithmetic portion of the Accuplacer.

There are other ways to qualify. Visit Course Placement to find out more.

Course Title Credits
Semester 1
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INMG 1400 Introduction to Manufacturing Technology

This course covers the beginning introduction use of tools used in manufacturing such as saws, drill press, engine lathes, and milling machines. (Prerequisites: None) (2 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

INMG 1400
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INMG 1400 Introduction to Manufacturing Technology

This course covers the beginning introduction use of tools used in manufacturing such as saws, drill press, engine lathes, and milling machines. (Prerequisites: None) (2 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Introduction to Manufacturing Technology
4
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INMG 1410 Mechanical Print Reading

This course covers mechanical print reading principles. Topics included are sketching, lines, views, multiview drawings, scaling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbols. (Prerequisites: (ENGL0950 or ENGL0955 or READ0950 or READ0955, or equivalent, or 78

INMG 1410*
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INMG 1410 Mechanical Print Reading

This course covers mechanical print reading principles. Topics included are sketching, lines, views, multiview drawings, scaling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbols. (Prerequisites: (ENGL0950 or ENGL0955 or READ0950 or READ0955, or equivalent, or 78

Mechanical Print Reading
3
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CADE 1468 Solidworks I

This course covers the basic areas of Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks three-dimensional design software. Students will design and draw model components and subassemblies of mechanical and industrial products in animation. SolidWorks has become wid

CADE 1468*
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CADE 1468 Solidworks I

This course covers the basic areas of Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks three-dimensional design software. Students will design and draw model components and subassemblies of mechanical and industrial products in animation. SolidWorks has become wid

Solidworks I
3
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MTCC 1600 Engineering Materials

This course covers heat-treating concepts, procedures and methods. Secondary operations like plating, anodizing and other coatings. Machinability, properties and identification methods of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials are also covered. (Prerequi

MTCC 1600
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MTCC 1600 Engineering Materials

This course covers heat-treating concepts, procedures and methods. Secondary operations like plating, anodizing and other coatings. Machinability, properties and identification methods of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials are also covered. (Prerequi

Engineering Materials
1
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WLDG 1560 Gas Metal Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the gas metal arc welding process including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down gas metal arc welding equipment. Students will be able to deposit surface wel

WLDG 1560
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WLDG 1560 Gas Metal Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the gas metal arc welding process including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down gas metal arc welding equipment. Students will be able to deposit surface wel

Gas Metal Arc Welding I
3
Semester 2
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INMG 1412 Advanced Mechanical Blueprint Reading

This course would cover advanced blueprint reading activities. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing will be covered in more depth. (Prerequisites: INMG1410) (3 hrs lec/0 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

INMG 1412*
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INMG 1412 Advanced Mechanical Blueprint Reading

This course would cover advanced blueprint reading activities. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing will be covered in more depth. (Prerequisites: INMG1410) (3 hrs lec/0 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Advanced Mechanical Blueprint Reading
3
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MTCC 1432 Quality Methods

This course covers the use of advanced inspection tools used in manufacturing. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is covered and demonstrated. (Prerequisites: INMG 1400) (1 hr lec/2 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

MTCC 1432*
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MTCC 1432 Quality Methods

This course covers the use of advanced inspection tools used in manufacturing. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is covered and demonstrated. (Prerequisites: INMG 1400) (1 hr lec/2 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Quality Methods
2
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MTCC 1505 Surface Grinder I

This course covers surface grinding for squareness, flatness, and other grinding operations. Grinding wheel selection, dressing wheels, set ups, and safety aspect will be covered. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

MTCC 1505*
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MTCC 1505 Surface Grinder I

This course covers surface grinding for squareness, flatness, and other grinding operations. Grinding wheel selection, dressing wheels, set ups, and safety aspect will be covered. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Surface Grinder I
2
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MTCC 1520 Cylindrical Grinding

This course covers the basic cylindrical grinding principles. Topics included are safety, set up, grinding wheels, and operating the grinder. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/2 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

MTCC 1520*
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MTCC 1520 Cylindrical Grinding

This course covers the basic cylindrical grinding principles. Topics included are safety, set up, grinding wheels, and operating the grinder. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/2 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Cylindrical Grinding
1
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MTCC 1530 Waterjet Cutting Processes

This course covers the programming, set-up, operation, and safety of CNC Waterjet cutting machines. Students will generate program using the "Flow TM" path software. Students will be able to safely load material and programs in order to execute cutting

MTCC 1530*
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MTCC 1530 Waterjet Cutting Processes

This course covers the programming, set-up, operation, and safety of CNC Waterjet cutting machines. Students will generate program using the "Flow TM" path software. Students will be able to safely load material and programs in order to execute cutting

Waterjet Cutting Processes
2
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MTCC 1603 Turning

This course covers the advanced principles of engine lathes operation, set-up, selection of tooling, and use of attachments. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

MTCC 1603*
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MTCC 1603 Turning

This course covers the advanced principles of engine lathes operation, set-up, selection of tooling, and use of attachments. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Turning
2
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MTCC 1604 Milling

This course covers advanced milling machine operations. Topics included are set-up, selection of tooling, and use of milling attachments. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

MTCC 1604*
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MTCC 1604 Milling

This course covers advanced milling machine operations. Topics included are set-up, selection of tooling, and use of milling attachments. (Prerequisites: INMG1400) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Milling
2
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MTCC 2500 CNC Mill Conversational

This course covers basic CNC milling operations and programming in a lab setting. Topics covered include Conversational programming techniques. (Prerequisites: MTCC1620) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

MTCC 2500*
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MTCC 2500 CNC Mill Conversational

This course covers basic CNC milling operations and programming in a lab setting. Topics covered include Conversational programming techniques. (Prerequisites: MTCC1620) (0 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

CNC Mill Conversational
2
Total: 30

*Courses may require a prerequisite. Refer to the course outline or check with an advisor.

Program Outcomes

  • Manufacture mating parts and assemblies
  • Perform setups and use milling fixtures to manufacture parts
  • Set up and machine compound angles using various processes
  • Build jigs and fixtures to complete manufacturing processes
  • Manufacture and inspect quality product
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