Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 wage data.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 2014-2024 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2014-2024). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Automatic Wheel-Line Operator

Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith

Cell Technician

Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator

CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter)

CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)

CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator)

Combination Machine Tool Operator

Combination Machine Tool Setter

Die Setter

Electrode Turner and Finisher

Four-Slide Machine Setter

Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator

Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator

Gear Milling Machine Set-Up Operator

Gear Shaper Set-Up Operator

Gear Shaver Set-Up Operator

Gunsmith

Injection Molding Technician

Loading Machine Tool Setter

Machine Operator

Machine Set-Up Operator

Machine Set-Up Technician

Machine Setter

Machine Technician

Machine Tool Operator

Machine Try-Out Setter

Machinist

Manufacturing Assistant

Manufacturing Associate

Manufacturing Operator

Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Operator

Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Setter

Metal and Plastic Transfer Machine Operator

Multi-Operation Forming Machine Operator

Multi-operation Forming Machine Setter

Operator

Ornamental Metal Worker

Ornamental Metal Worker Apprentice

Production Gear Cutting Machine Operator

Production Machine Tender

Rim Roller Operator

Rim Technician

Set-Up Person

Shear Operator

Spiral Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator

Spring Maker

Spring Manufacturing Set-Up Technician

Straight Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator

Test and Turn-Up Technician

Tool Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator

Tool Machine Setup Operator

Tool Operator

Transfer Machine Operator

Trim Machine Operator

Utility Operator

Administration and Management

Clerical

Sales and Marketing

Customer and Personal Service

Personnel and Human Resources

Production and Processing

Computers and Electronics

Engineering and Technology

Design

Building and Construction

Mechanical

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Psychology

Sociology and Anthropology

Education and Training

English Language

Foreign Language

Public Safety and Security

Telecommunications

Communications and Media

Transportation

Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.

Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.

Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, and auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.

Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.

Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.

Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools and brushes, using hand tools.

Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.

Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.

Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.

Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.

Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.

Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.

Record operational data such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, and speeds.

Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.

Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.

Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.

Compute data such as gear dimensions and machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.

Align layout marks with dies or blades.

Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.

Adjustable wrenches

Band saws

Blow-molding machines

Boring tools

Buffing machines

Claw hammers

Compasses

Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines

Cutting machines

Desktop computers

Drafting scales

Extruding machines

Face masks

Gear hobbers

Grease guns

Grinding machines

Hand grinders

Hand shears

Height gauges

Injection molding machines

Lathe machines

Lift bars

Lifting hooks

Locking pliers

Mechanical booms

Metal cutting dies

Metal cutting taps

Micrometers

Milling machines

Overhead cranes

Planing machines

Polishing machines

Power drills

Power hoists

Power press brakes

Protective ear plugs

Punching machines

Robotic loading equipment

Safety glasses

Self-contained breathing apparatus

Single-cut mill saw files

Slitting machines

Steel rules

Straight screwdrivers

Tangent benders

Templates

Tube benders

Turning machines

Wing benders

Wire brushes

Data entry software

Email software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software