Hands-on interaction with cutting-edge equipment offers exciting career opportunities in the growing field of precision machining. If you enjoy the thought of working with metal in a high-performance manufacturing environment, this may be the career for you. The field combines leading-edge CNC machining and metrology technology with high-tech manufacturing skills. A renowned training model produces highly skilled and credentialed workers ready to support aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, precision automation companies and more.
Overview
Examples of Occupations
Machinists
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.
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE:
- Virginia: $49,800
- GO Virginia Region 3: $44,700
EMPLOYMENT:
- Virginia: 4,891
- GO Virginia Region 3: 295
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or Equivalent and Long-term On-the-job Training
Industry Machinery Mechanics
DESCRIPTION
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE:
- Virginia: $52,100
- GO Virginia Region 3: $46,700
EMPLOYMENT:
- Virginia: 4,784
- GO Virginia Region 3: 533
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or Equivalent and Long-term On-the-job Training
Tool and Die Makers
DESCRIPTION
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools.
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE:
- Virginia: $53,800
- GO Virginia Region 3: $48,700
EMPLOYMENT:
- Virginia: 716
- GO Virginia Region 3: 44
EDUCATION: Postsecondary Non-degree Award and Long-term On-the-job Training
Milling & Planing Machine Setters, Operators & Tenders, Metal and Plastic
DESCRIPTION
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE:
- Virginia: $35,900
- GO Virginia Region 3: $33,100
EMPLOYMENT:
- Virginia: 391
- GO Virginia Region 3: 31
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or Equivalent and Moderate Term On-the-job Training
Training Providers
Visit our GO TEC training partners page and expand the Precision Machining section to find a training provider near you.
Other GO TEC Careers
