Metal Machinist (First Class)
SOC 51-4041.00 · ESCO 7223 · OSCA 332234
Role snapshot
Overview
Sets up and operates precision machine tools such as CNC lathes, milling machines, and grinders to manufacture metal parts to tight tolerances. Programs machines, selects tooling, and inspects finished components, ensuring quality control and maintaining machinery.
Ensures the precise production of critical metal components essential for various industries, from aerospace to automotive and medical devices, contributing to product quality, safety, and functionality.
On the job
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to plan machining operations
- Set up, operate, and adjust CNC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders) for production runs
- Write, edit, and optimize CNC programs to achieve specified dimensions and surface finishes
- Select and install appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and work holding devices
- Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, CMM) to verify conformance
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Completion of a formal apprenticeship, trade certificate, or associate's degree in machining technology or a related field is typically required.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can significantly assist with advanced CNC program optimization, material behavior prediction, and complex metrology analysis for tight tolerances.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI optimizes parts of the process, but physical setup, intricate multi-axis adjustments, and final human inspection for critical components are non-negotiable.
Adoption pressure
moderate
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The high precision and complexity of this role make AI for process optimization, quality control, and advanced programming very attractive to employers.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Expertise in complex programming, intricate setups, troubleshooting, and final quality sign-off on tight tolerances makes human judgment critical.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
moderate
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role is highly adaptable to new CNC technologies, software advancements, and the manufacturing of novel, complex parts and materials.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Generate optimized CNC programs for multi-axis machines
- Predict tool wear and suggest optimal replacement times
- Analyze sensor data for real-time process adjustments and anomaly detection
- Automate initial dimensional checks using integrated vision systems
- Provide intelligent recommendations for cutting strategies based on material properties
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Interpreting complex engineering drawings and specifications for bespoke parts
- Performing intricate machine setups and tooling for multi-axis operations
- Troubleshooting unexpected material interactions or software glitches
- Editing and optimizing CNC programs for unique production challenges
- Conducting meticulous final inspections with precision instruments (CMM)
- Ensuring overall product quality and adherence to safety standards
How the role may evolve
From manual programming to overseeing and optimizing AI-assisted production.
This role will increasingly focus on the strategic oversight of AI-powered CNC systems, requiring advanced problem-solving, deep understanding of material science, and expert quality validation rather than routine programming.
Strengthen your future fit
- Mastery of advanced CNC programming and CAD/CAM software
- Expertise in material science and machining dynamics
- Strong analytical and diagnostic capabilities for complex systems
- Proficiency in advanced metrology and quality assurance techniques
- Ability to integrate and troubleshoot AI-driven manufacturing tools
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- Medium
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Skilled Trades
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCI
People who enjoy hands-on work with machines, value precision and order, and apply technical knowledge to solve practical problems tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Detail-oriented
Focuses intently on small details and ensures extreme precision in all machining and inspection tasks.
Systematic
Approaches problems logically, enjoys analyzing and optimizing machine processes and programs.
Hands-on
Prefers working directly with tools, machinery, and materials to create tangible products.
Composed
Maintains focus and a steady hand even when facing tight deadlines or complex machine setups.
Cooperative
Works effectively with production teams and communicates clearly on project requirements and issues.
Best for
- Individuals who are methodical, enjoy working with advanced machinery, and are driven by producing high-quality, precise results.
- Those who thrive in structured environments where technical skills and problem-solving are highly valued.
Watch out for
- The work environment can be noisy and requires strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Requires sustained attention to detail and precision, which can be mentally demanding over long periods.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Metal Machinist (First Class) — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Metal Machinist (First Class) roles
What does a Metal Machinist (First Class) do?
A Metal Machinist (First Class) sets up and operates precision machine tools such as CNC lathes, milling machines, and grinders to manufacture metal parts to tight tolerances. Programs machines, selects tooling, and inspects finished components, ensuring quality control and maintaining machinery. Ensures the precise production of critical metal components essential for various industries, from aerospace to automotive and medical devices, contributing to product quality, safety, and functionality.
How much does a Metal Machinist (First Class) earn?
A Metal Machinist (First Class) earns a median of $60,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $45,000 to $80,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
To become a Metal Machinist (First Class), completion of a formal apprenticeship, trade certificate, or associate's degree in machining technology or a related field is typically required.
What personality suits a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
Metal Machinist (First Class) roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 85/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 75/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Detail-oriented, Systematic, Hands-on and Composed. Focuses intently on small details and ensures extreme precision in all machining and inspection tasks. On interests, Metal Machinist (First Class) maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — people who enjoy hands-on work with machines, value precision and order, and apply technical knowledge to solve practical problems tend to thrive in this role.
Who does a Metal Machinist (First Class) role suit?
A Metal Machinist (First Class) role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. A high Realistic affinity means you'll enjoy the hands-on work with machines and tools. Strong Conventional and Investigative traits align with the need for precision, technical problem-solving, and adherence to specifications. The role involves significant deep work, allowing for focused attention on complex machining tasks.
What are the downsides of being a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
Metal Machinist (First Class) roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The work environment can be noisy and requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Requires sustained attention to detail and precision, which can be mentally demanding over long periods.
What is the work environment like for a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
Work as a Metal Machinist (First Class) is mostly workshop-based with onsite arrangements common, highly structured, with set processes and deadlines, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 83% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
Core skills for a Metal Machinist (First Class) include CNC Programming, Precision Machining, Blueprint Reading, Metrology and Inspection, Tooling Selection and Machine Setup and Calibration.
How do you become a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
Common entry routes into Metal Machinist (First Class) roles include Apprentice Machinist, General Machinist and Machine Operator.
What career progression is there for a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
From a Metal Machinist (First Class) role, common next steps include Machine Shop Supervisor; lateral moves include CNC Programmer and Tool and Die Maker.
What is the job outlook for Metal Machinist (First Class) roles?
The outlook for Metal Machinist (First Class) roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Metal Machinist (First Class) roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Metal Machinist (First Class) roles at 39 out of 100, which is low. Advanced CNC programming is ripe for AI optimization, yet intricate multi-axis setups, material troubleshooting, and meticulous metrology demand a human expert's judgment. AI is most likely to take on generate optimized cnc programs for multi-axis machines, predict tool wear and suggest optimal replacement times and analyze sensor data for real-time process adjustments and anomaly detection. Interpreting complex engineering drawings and specifications for bespoke parts, performing intricate machine setups and tooling for multi-axis operations and troubleshooting unexpected material interactions or software glitches stay with people. From manual programming to overseeing and optimizing AI-assisted production. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.