Machine Tool
“If I make a part that can help save someone’s life, that’s a good thing.”
— Dan Eason, Wells Technology
Discover how Dan made good
What do machinists or machine-tool specialists do?
- Make accurate parts by cutting away materials from a block, sheet, or an existing part.
- Produce parts for diverse products, from computers to medical devices.
- Use computer software and technology to tell the machine how to cut parts.
- Using tools like lathes, gauges, and calipers, as well as emerging technologies such as Swiss machining and 3D printing.
Career Facts
High Demand
Companies are seeking trained machinists.
A good living
Machinists in Minnesota make a mean salary of $46,120 a year.
Strong Placement
96% of machine tool students are hired within 6 months of graduation.
A Growing Field
380 students graduate each year from machine tool programs in Minnesota.
Repetitive Tasks
You might be assigned to work on the same product and machine over multiple days.
Pressure to Perform
You’ll need to meet deadlines to achieve productivity goals.
Machine Tool Careers
- Machine operator
- CNC programmer
- CNC toolmaker
- CNC operations technician
- Tool & die maker
- Moldmaker
You may complete your education in:
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year
- 2 years
College Programs
St. Cloud Technical and Community College, St. Cloud
Pine Technical and community college, Pine City
“I had a hard time in school. Having this job gave me skills that I’m really grateful for. If I make a part that can help save someone’s life, that’s a good thing. That’s a good feeling.”
— Dan Eason, Wells Technology
Research and information are taken from:
- Career OneStop
- Career Manufacturing
- CAREERWise Education (formerly iSeek)
- Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic
- Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Workforce Assessment Initiative
- National Association of Manufacturers
- O*NET
- The Manufacturing Institute
- U.S. Department of Labor and Wanted Analytics.
Information is subject to change without notice.