Will “Precision Machinist” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

65% Chance of Automation

“Precision Machinist” will maybe be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #358 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. 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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4041.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 43,220.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 20.00
Currently, there are 391,120 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Machinists”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Precision Machinist”

Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.
Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
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.
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.

Related Technology & Tools

Shapers
Metal inert gas MIG welders
Hacksaws
Horizontal mills
Horizontal boring bars
Cold chisels
Single-cut mill saw files
Forklifts
Channel lock pliers
Rubber mallets
Full face shields
Staging equipment
Scribers
Micrometers
Radius gauges
Pillar drill machines
Angle plates
Steel wedges
Thread gauges
Spirit levels
Machinists' squares
Grinding wheel arbors
Sine bars
Vernier gear tooth calipers
Surface gauges
Side cutting pliers
Inside spring calipers
Socket wrench sets
Brass hammers
Personal computers
Adjustable wrenches
Threading machines
Brazing equipment
Ratchet sets
Crankshaft grinders
Pry bars
Marking blocks
Cylindrical grinders
Shims
Undercut tools
Vernier bevel protractors
Vernier calipers
Outside micrometers
Centrifugal spin casters
Putty knives
Sandblasters
Shielded arc welding tools
Multi-axis computerized numerical control CNC machines
Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Dial indicators
Drum lathes
Binocular light compound microscopes
Radial drills
Parallel blocks
Swaging tools
Needlenose pliers
Combination wrenches
Spindle blade screwdrivers
Bandsaws
Resurfacing machines
Dial calipers
Utility knives
Pipe wrenches
Valve grinding machines
Breaker lathes
Anvils
Vertical milling machines
Tongs
Phillips head screwdrivers
Personal digital assistants PDA
Flat files
Workshop cranes
Buffers
Ring gauges
Vernier height gauges
Metal spray equipment
Handheld welders
Milling angle form cutters
Center drills
Metal shears
Turret lathes
Pipe threaders
Desktop computers
Arbor presses
Inside micrometers
Machine shop rigging equipment
Half-round files
Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers
Laser printers
Welding shields
Plasma welders
Tube benders
Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
Torches
Gauges
Hermaphrodite calipers
Cutoff saws
Boring bars
Cold saws
Sensitive drill presses
Knee mills
Vertical turret lathes VTL
Aviation snips
Wedges
Feeler gauges
Horizontal lathes
Calipers
Telescoping gauges
Composition hammers
Turning lathes
Jointers
Lathes
Power drills
Power hacksaws
Beverly shears
Shears
Outside spring calipers
Square chisels
Portable welding equipment
Sharpening equipment
Radial drill presses
Combination pliers
Edge finders
Hex keys
Heat-treating equipment
Height gauges
Steel rules
Hand clamps
Boring tools
Brake presses
3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machines
Screw pitch gauges
Magnetic retrievers
Hex wrenches
Hydraulic presses
Grinding dogs
Deburring tools
Chucks
Surface grinding machines
Sledgehammers
Reamers
Soldering equipment
Punches
Grinders
Milling machines
Welding lenses
Machinists' hammers
Platforms
Engine lathes
Chamfer tools
Broachers
Computerized numerical control CNC turning lathes
V blocks
Screwdrivers
Flywheel lathes
Prick punches
Chippers
Power sanders
Planers
Ball peen hammers
Angled feeler gauges
Cylinder honers
Ladders
Planer gauges
Metal cutting taps
Combination drills
Milling vises
Hand saws

JETCAM
Microsoft Office
CNC TurboCAD/CAM
CCG Systems FASTER
Microsoft Word
Armchair Machinist software
Microsoft Outlook
Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Microsoft Excel
Kentech Trig Kalculator
ERP software
CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
EditCNC
CNC Mastercam
Kentech Kipware Studio