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1St Class Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mandiesel

Workshop - 1st Class Machinist

Houston, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

The 1st Class Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. This role involves fabricating, modifying, and repairing ...

Eagle Systems of Ocean Inc

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First Class Machinist

Ocean Township, NJ · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Eagle Systems is a "Made In America" machine manufacturer building for the printing industry. We are a family owned company with a worldwide outstanding reputation for quality machines. We design ...

Eagle Systems of Ocean Inc

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First Class Machinist

Ocean Township, NJ · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Eagle Systems is a "Made In America" machine manufacturer building for the printing industry. We are a family owned company with a worldwide outstanding reputation for quality machines. We design ...

Dowty's Machine Works, INC

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First Class Manual Machinist

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

We are looking for a well seasoned First Class Manual Machinist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana . We are not looking for apprentices to train as we already have a couple in training. We need Someone who ...

Veteran-friendly

Hutco Inc

Outside Machinist

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$27.31/hr

Candidates must have at least 4 years of shipyard or naval experience as a First-Class Machinist. This role demands familiarity with shipboard mechanical systems, the ability to work from technical ...

Genesis Technical Staffing, Inc.

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1st Class Outside Machinist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$40/hr

Genesis Industrial Staffing has a client in the Pascagoula, MS looking for 1st Class Outside Machinists. **Offering a sign on bonus up to $500 and PTO** -Must pass hair follicle drug screen and 7 ...

Chipton Ross

Outside Machinist 1st Class

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$40/hr

Prior Shipyard experience a minimum of 4 or more years of experience as an outside machinist. REQUIRED EDUCATION Accredited High School diploma or equivalent. WORK HOURS Full-Time 1st, 2nd, 3rd shift.

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How much do 1st class machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st class machinist in the United States is $25.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A 1st Class Machinist can earn around $3,000 or more per month through skilled machining work, especially with experience and certifications. Other high-paying roles without a degree include commercial truck drivers, elevator installers, and certain sales or technical positions that value skills and training over formal education.

What is the highest paid machinist job?

The highest paid machinist roles are often senior or specialized positions such as CNC programmer or precision machinist, especially in industries like aerospace or defense. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries compared to entry-level machinist positions.

What are 1st Class Machinists?

1st Class Machinists are highly skilled tradespeople who operate and maintain machine tools to produce precision metal parts and instruments. They typically interpret blueprints, set up and adjust machines, and inspect finished products to ensure they meet exact specifications. 1st Class Machinists are distinguished by their advanced experience and expertise, often supervising other machinists or handling the most complex jobs in a shop. Their work is critical in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and shipbuilding.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st Class Machinist, and how can they be overcome?

1st Class Machinists often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances on complex parts and adapting to evolving technologies or machinery. Attention to detail is crucial, as small mistakes can lead to costly errors. To overcome these challenges, machinists benefit from continuous training, effective communication with engineers and team members, and staying current with the latest manufacturing practices. Regular calibration of equipment and proactive problem-solving also help ensure high-quality output.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Class Machinist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Class Machinist, you need advanced knowledge of machining techniques, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and typically a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Proficiency with CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, and familiarity with CAD/CAM software are common technical requirements. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure high-quality parts production, adherence to specifications, and efficient operations in a manufacturing environment.

Can you make 100k as a machinist?

A first-class machinist can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand industries or specialized machining. However, salaries vary based on location, employer, and overtime opportunities, and reaching this level often requires years of experience and proficiency with complex tools and CNC machines.

What is the difference between 1St Class Machinist vs Machinist?

Aspect1St Class MachinistMachinist
CredentialsTypically requires advanced certifications or licensesRequires basic to intermediate certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial shops, manufacturing plants, heavy machineryMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, maintenance settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in specialized manufacturing and heavy industryCommon across various manufacturing sectors

The main difference between a 1St Class Machinist and a Machinist lies in the level of certification and expertise. 1St Class Machinists typically have advanced skills, certifications, and work in more complex environments, whereas Machinists may have basic certifications and work in general manufacturing settings. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry, but 1St Class Machinists often handle more specialized and demanding tasks.

What is a class 1 machinist?

A class 1 machinist is a highly skilled tradesperson responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining complex machine tools to produce precision metal parts. They typically have advanced training, certifications, and experience working with CNC machines and precision measurement tools. This role often requires working in manufacturing or industrial environments with strict safety and quality standards.
More about 1St Class Machinist jobs
What states have the most 1St Class Machinist jobs? States with the most job openings for 1St Class Machinist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 1St Class Machinist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Class Machinist jobs are:
1St Class Machinist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Class Machinist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,313 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Workshop - 1st Class Machinist

mandiesel

Houston, TX • On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Workshop - 1st Class Machinist

Summary: The 1st Class Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. This role involves fabricating, modifying, and repairing mechanical instruments, as well as maintaining and repairing industrial machinery. The 1st Class Machinist applies advanced knowledge of mechanics, machining processes, and shop mathematics to ensure high-quality results. 

Key Job Responsibilities: 

  • Set up, adjust, and operate a wide range of basic and specialized machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders, to perform precision machining operations. 
  • Machine parts to exact specifications, monitor feed and speed during the machining process, and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal performance and accuracy. 
  • Set up, position and secure workpieces, cutting tools, and attachments in machines.  
  • Repair, install, adjust, and maintain industrial production and processing machinery, including refinery and pipeline distribution systems. Ensure machines are operating at peak efficiency. 
  • Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure they meet specifications. Use precision instruments to verify accuracy and quality. 
  • Set controls to regulate the machining process, ensuring that all operations are performed safely and according to specifications. 
  • Safely lift, position, and secure metal stock and workpieces manually or using hoists. Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and jib cranes to maneuver parts and equipment as needed. 
  • Perform other related tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the machine shop. 

Education: 

  • Associate’s Degree in a Mechanical field from a 2-year college is preferred but not required. 
  • High school diploma or equivalent with 4-6 years of relevant experience and/or training. 

Experience/Qualifications/Skills: 

  • Strong knowledge and experience in using precision measuring tools, understanding materials and safety protocols, job planning, and working with rotating equipment required.  
  • Experience in disassembling and reassembling complex assemblies as a project lead. 
  • Understanding of equipment operational requirements and experience in crane, rigging, and heavy lift procedures. 
  • Proficiency in setting up, programming, and running conversational CNC machinery. 
  • Experience with coordinate measuring machines (CMM). 
  • Familiarity with portable machine tools such as mag base drills and boring bars. 
  • Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.  

Physical Requirements: 

This position primarily involves remaining in one location for extended periods to handle, maneuver, and position parts and equipment, including reaching to adjust or move components. The role may require accessing elevated platforms to handle or position equipment. Close vision (20 inches or less) is essential for tasks, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required. The role may also involve assisting with other tasks that require working in confined spaces. Additionally, employees may be exposed to challenging environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, dust, and dirt, as well as loud noise from equipment such as grinders, drills, and hammers.

Competencies: 

  • Team Oriented. Creates productive relationships and works with leadership team to achieve common goals. 
  • Strong planning and organization skills to make effective use of resources.  
  • Coaching and teaching skills - train other employees in order to increase their knowledge and capabilities. 
  • Excellent process orientated problem solving skills with ability to coach others in systematic problem solving.  
  • Extremely focused on quality outcomes. Able to deliver quality results and coordinate the services on a timely basis.  
  • Contribute to the team to understand the importance of safety and quality reasoning and ensure 100% compliance with testing the solutions.  
  • Creates strong awareness of quality and safety, using practical examples to illustrate why a small error in craftsmanship or while running the equipment can lead to a catastrophic accident in the shop or at the customers site. 
  • All employees share the responsibility for encouraging a proactive safety culture through demonstration of being a positive role model, proper safety behaviors and safe work practices. 

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