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Machine Shop Apprentice Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Must hold a Journeyman classification in the trade as a Machine Repair person OR have served a bona fide apprenticeship under standards acceptable to the UAW and has a certificate to substantiate ...

Must hold a Journeyman classification in the trade as a Machine Repair person OR have served a bona fide apprenticeship under standards acceptable to the UAW and has a certificate to substantiate ...

Experienced Welder

Jefferson Hills, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Machine Shop Testimonials Job Details: * Type of Employment: Full-time * Location: Jefferson Hills ... Completion of an accredited welding apprenticeship program Why Kurt J. Lesker Company: Kurt J.

Experienced Welder

Clairton, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Machine Shop Testimonials Job Details: * Type of Employment: Full-time * Location: Jefferson Hills ... Completion of an accredited welding apprenticeship program Why Kurt J. Lesker Company: Kurt J.

Toolmaker Tier I

Pottstown, PA

$27 - $35.25/hr

Job Purpose * Plans the set-up and operation of all types of machine shop tools including lathe ... bona fide apprenticeship under standards acceptable to the UAW and has a certificate to ...

Toolmaker Tier I

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$27 - $35.25/hr

Job Purpose * Plans the set-up and operation of all types of machine shop tools including lathe ... bona fide apprenticeship under standards acceptable to the UAW and has a certificate to ...

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CNC Machinist

Easton, PA · On-site

$28.12 - $32/hr

Minimum of 3 years of CNC milling experience in a manufacturing or machine-shop environment ... High school diploma, GED, technical-school certificate, apprenticeship, or equivalent practical ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Shop Apprentice information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do machine shop apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop apprentice in Pennsylvania is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine shop apprentice do?

A Machine Shop Apprentice learns the basics of operating machinery and tools in a manufacturing or machining environment. They work under the supervision of experienced machinists to gain hands-on experience in tasks such as measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling metal parts. Apprentices are also trained in safety procedures, blueprint reading, and the use of various machines like lathes, mills, and grinders. Over time, they develop the technical skills needed to become a fully qualified machinist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Apprentice, you need a strong understanding of basic machining principles, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manual and CNC machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and good communication skills help apprentices excel in collaborative and precision-focused environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, product quality, and effective learning and contribution in a machine shop setting.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop apprentice during their first year?

As a Machine Shop Apprentice, one of the main challenges you may encounter in your first year is adapting to the precision and attention to detail required when operating machinery and reading technical blueprints. You'll also need to quickly learn safety protocols and proper tool handling to prevent accidents. Working as part of a skilled team, you'll be expected to communicate effectively and ask questions when unsure, which is vital for both learning and maintaining workflow efficiency. Overcoming the initial learning curve with new equipment and terminology is common, but mentorship from experienced machinists can help you progress steadily.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Machine Shop Apprentice jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Machine Shop Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Apprentice job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,052 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Rail Vehicle Machinist 1st Class (0811)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$42.67/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Secure your FUTURE with SEPTA today!
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region. SEPTA has become an integral force in the economic success of the Philadelphia region, providing an efficient and reliable source of transportation.
We are seeking candidates for the position of Rail Vehicle Machinist 1st Class (0811) within our Rail Vehicle Maintenance Shops.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
Sets up and operates a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Fabricates, modifies, or repairs mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools. Specific duties include laying-out, machining, shaping, and fabricating castings, beams, plates, shafts, various types of assemblies and other similar items. Additional duties include: setting-up, aligning, adjusting, and operating various types of shop equipment such as milling machines, shaper machines, grinders, presses, boring mills, drilling, etc. Grinds, shapes, and forms new cutters or machines. Sharpens and retempers drills, bits, cutter assemblies and balance blade assemblies.
Compensation Data
For SEPTA Regional Rail Division, the pay rate is $37.14/hr, with an increase to $41.27/hr after 1 year.
For SEPTA City Transit Division, the pay rate is $38.41/hr, with an increase to $42.67/hr after 1 year.
For SEPTA Suburban Transit Division, the pay rate is $36.23/hr, with an increase to $40.36/hr after 1 year.
(*Note* - Candidate division selection will be based upon the needs of SEPTA)
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Reviews and studies specifications, drawings, sketches, or other descriptions of parts to be fabricated; plans and implements sequence of operations to repair or manufacture work to .0005 tolerances.
  • Measures, marks/scribes dimensions and determines reference points to lay components/stock for machining, metallizing, electroplating, sleeving, etc.
  • Machines, shapes, fabricates, straightens, rebuilds various components to O.E.M. specifications of Authority drawings, e.g. gear drive units, journal bearings, wheel/axle assembles, etc.
  • Sets up, loads workpiece into machine with lifting equipment and operates lathes, wheel truing machines, milling, balancing, grinding, or other similar type machines; fits and assembles parts to fabricate/repair metal components; operates presses of various types (hydraulic/mechanical/pneumatic, etc.), drill, cutting, or other such machines to repair/fabricate components during machine shop operations.
  • Performs non-destructive testing through the magnaflux, magnaglo, or other such devices and practices for magnetic-particle inspections.
  • Maintains and repairs machine shop equipment and tooling, according to drawings, specifications, standard maintenance practices, or as other specifically described practices as detailed by Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.).
  • Performs metal hardening and hardness testing in accordance with approved practices. Has knowledge of metal properties, general characteristics and property requirements for component repair/fabrication.
  • Performs other duties related to the performance of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Two (2) years vocational training or equivalent and minimum three (3) years of experience as a Machinist
  • Must pass written skills testing
  • Must be familiar with Air Equipment repair work, Saw and Machine tool use and maintenance
  • Must be able to work from blueprints and drawings
  • Must have own hand tools
  • Must possess a valid driver's license

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of related apprenticeship preferred
BENEFITS
SEPTA offers a comprehensive benefits and retirement program for ALL employees, including:
  • Medical - "Minimal annual premium contribution"

Benefit plans with "No Employee annual premium contribution":
  • Prescription
  • Dental
  • Vision

Additional benefits we offer:
  • Pension Plan / Retirement Savings
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Voluntary Governmental 457B Deferred Comp Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • SEPTA Transportation Pass - FREE travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation
  • SEPTA employees qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.