Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Production and manufacturing / 51-4041.00

Machinists

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

US jobs
287,050
Median wage
$58,750 a year
Job family
Production and manufacturing

Can agents do the work of machinists?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Production and manufacturing: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 11%Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipmentNot measured
  • 8%Monitor equipment operationNot measured
  • 7%Communicate with others about operational plans or activitiesNot measured
  • 7%Operate industrial processing or production equipmentNot measured
  • 6%Operate cutting or grinding equipmentNot measured
  • 6%Position workpieces or materials on equipmentNot measured
  • 5%Advise others on business or operational mattersNot measured
  • 5%Maintain tools or equipmentNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in production and manufacturing, not always this occupation's tasks.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
  • Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
  • Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
  • Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
  • Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
  • Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
  • Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
  • Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
  • Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Other job titles for this occupation (52)

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 · Aircraft Machinist · Auto Machinist (Automotive Machinist) · Carbide Operator · CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Lathe Machinist) · CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Machinist) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Mill Machinist) · CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Machinist) · CNC Milling Machinist (Computer Numeric Control Milling Machinist) · CNC Swiss Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Swiss Machinist) · Conventional Machinist · Development Mechanic · Electrical Experimental Mechanic · Electrical Instrument Maker · Electrical Machinist · Experimental Machinist · Experimental Mechanic · Fixture Maker · Fluid-Power Mechanic · Four-Slide Operator · Geothermal Heat Pump Machinist · Hydroelectric Component Machinist · Instrument Maker · Instrument Maker and Repairer · Jobber · Laboratory Machinist (Lab Machinist) · Lathe Machinist · Light Fixture Maker · Machine Fitter · Manual Machinist · Mechanist · Metal Machinist · Outside Machinist · Outside Ship Machinist · Precision Instrument Maker · Precision Machinist · Printing Press Machinist · Thermometer Maker · Tool and Die Machinist · Tool Machinist · Toolroom Machinist · Turret Lathe Machinist · Wind Turbine Machinist