1

Machine Shop Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performances, and continuous improvement of Brian Tooley Racing's machine shop operations. This position leads CNC machining ...

The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performances, and continuous improvement of Brian Tooley Racing's machine shop operations. This position leads CNC machining ...

The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performances, and continuous improvement of Brian Tooley Racing's machine shop operations. This position leads CNC machining ...

Machine Operator This role involves working in a machine shop to assist with the operation of brake press and laser machines, while also handling material movement and general labor tasks to support ...

Machinist

Madisonville, KY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... machine shop. If you like variety in your work and know your way around a shop floor, this could be your next move. What You'll Be Doing: * Operating manual machines to complete a wide range of tasks

MACHINIST

Louisville, KY · On-site

$20 - $43/hr

Along with repairing, rebuilding, and modifying our customer's equipment in our machine shop, we also perform these same high-quality services around the world with our on-site machining & repairs ...

Tool and Die Maker

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$25.75 - $32.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of machining and tool alteration experience, solid knowledge of machine shop practices, mathematics, and trigonometry, and the ability to work ...

Assembler

Paducah, KY · On-site

$16/hr

Assembler position available for Machine Shop. Monday-Friday 6a.m.-2:30p.m. Must be able to stand for entire 8 hour shift. $16/hour. Must be familiar with small hand tools.

Machinist

Lebanon, KY

$17.50 - $24/hr

You will work in a modern, well-maintained machine shop that invests in newer equipment and is committed to clean, organized, and safe operations. The team supports learning and development ...

Be Seen First

With a full-service machine shop, the company offers comprehensive services, including pump and gear reducer repair, laser alignment, vibration analysis, and on-site preventative maintenance. Atlas ...

Urgent

next page

Showing results 1-20

Machine Shop information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do machine shop jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop in Kentucky is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like working in a machine shop?

A typical day in a machine shop involves setting up and operating various machines to manufacture or modify metal parts according to precise specifications. You'll often read blueprints or instructions, measure dimensions with specialized tools, and perform quality control checks on finished products. Collaboration with engineers, supervisors, and fellow machinists is common to troubleshoot issues and maintain smooth production. Safety is a top priority, and you may be responsible for maintaining equipment and keeping your workspace organized. The work is often hands-on and requires a focus on accuracy and efficiency throughout the shift.

What is the average hourly rate for a machine shop?

The average hourly rate for a machine shop worker typically ranges from $15 to $30, depending on experience, skill level, and geographic location. Skilled machinists with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, and rates can vary based on the complexity of the work and the shop's size.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the context of machine shop work, high-paying roles such as CNC programmers, tool and die makers, or specialized machinists can earn around $4,000 weekly with experience and skills, often without requiring a college degree. These positions typically demand technical training, certifications, and proficiency with machining tools and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Earning this level of income usually involves working overtime, having extensive experience, or working in high-demand industries.

What is a Machine Shop job?

A machine shop job involves operating, maintaining, and programming machines such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to manufacture metal or plastic parts. Workers in a machine shop may have roles like machinist, CNC operator, or tool and die maker. They follow blueprints and technical drawings to create precise components for industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Strong attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of machining processes are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Machine Shop position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Machine Shop, you need strong mechanical aptitude, proficiency in operating machining equipment (such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders), and a solid understanding of safety protocols; a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, with additional technical certifications being highly beneficial. Familiarity with CNC programming, blueprint reading, precision measurement tools, and shop management software is often sought after. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills are essential to ensure high-quality production, prevent safety incidents, and maintain efficient workflow in a demanding manufacturing environment.

What do machine shop workers do?

Machine shop workers operate and maintain machinery such as lathes, mills, and grinders to produce metal parts and components. They interpret technical drawings, measure parts for quality, and ensure safety protocols are followed in a manufacturing environment.

Do machinists make a lot of money?

Machinists typically earn a competitive salary that varies by experience, location, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual wage for machinists is around $45,000 to $55,000, with experienced workers and those with specialized skills earning higher pay. Certifications and proficiency with CNC machines can also increase earning potential.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop jobs in Kentucky? For Machine Shop jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Machine Shop job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,879 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Machine Shop Manager

Burnout Brands

Bardstown, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

At Brian Tooley Racing, passion fuels innovation. Founded in 2012, BTR has become a leader in high-performance camshafts, valvetrain systems, and precision-engineered components for modern American pushrod engines. With advanced in-house capabilities-including CNC machining, Spintron testing, and specialized camshaft grinding-BTR designs, tests, and manufactures products trusted by enthusiasts, engine builders, and racers worldwide. If you're driven by engineering excellence and high-performance innovation, BTR is an exceptional place to grow your career.
Summary:
The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performances, and continuous improvement of Brian Tooley Racing's machine shop operations. This position leads CNC machining activities, personnel development, equipment utilization, process optimization, quality performance, and safety compliance to ensure products are manufactured efficiently and to the highest standards.
The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for establishing departmental priorities, driving accountability, developing personnel, improving manufacturing processes, and supporting company growth through operational excellence.
This position reports to the Plant Manager and works closely with Engineering, Product Development, Quality, Purchasing, and Operations.
Requirements
  • Lead daily machine shop operations to achieve production scheudles and business objectives.
  • Prioritize work based on production requirements, engineering projects, prototypes, and customer commitments.
  • Monitor departmental KPIs including throughput, machine utilization, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, setup time, and downtime.
  • Remove operational barriers and allocate resources to maximize productivity.
  • Coordinate with the Machine Shop Supervisor to ensure production readiness and material availability.
  • Provide technical leadership for CNC machining processes, tooling strategies, fixturing, setups, and machining methods.
  • Support and review CNC programming activities utilizing Fusion and other programming platforms.
  • Troubleshoot machining, quality, equipment, and process-related issues.
  • Ensure machining methods meet quality, repeatability, and efficiency standards.
  • Support implementation of new manufacturing technologies and machining techniques.
  • Ensure machined components meet specifications, tolerances, inspection requirements, and quality standards.
  • Drive initiatives to reduce cycle times, setup times, scrap, rework, and process variation.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.
  • Oversee machine utilization and equipment readiness.
  • Coordinate preventive maintenance activities and equipment support requirements.
  • Evaluate and recommend improvements involving equipment, tooling, automation, software, and facility layout.
  • Develop recommendations for capital investments and future machine shop growth.
  • Maintain compliance with company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
  • Promote a clean, organized and professional machine shop environment.
  • Ensure all personnel follow established safety procedures and best practices.
  • Other duties as assigned by senior leadership.

Management Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, train, and develop machinists, CNC programmers, setup personnel, and machine shop employees.
  • Establish performance expectations and hold team members accountable for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and conduct.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession development.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions
  • Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing and machine shop environment.
  • Regular exposure to machining equipment, tooling, materials, noise, production activity, and shop-floor conditions.
  • Regular exposure to machining equipment, tooling, materials, noise, production activity, and shop-floor conditions.
  • Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and time spent on the production floor.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all safety requirements.
  • May require flexibility in hours to support production needs, equipment issues, deadlines, or urgent operational priorities.

Education and Experience
  • Minimum 10 years of CNC machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
  • 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a machine shop, CNC production, or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong hands-on knowledge of CNC mills, lathes, tooling, fixturing, setups, feeds, speeds, and machining methods.
  • Experience with 5-axis machining is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Fusion or similar CNC programming software is strongly preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and inspection requirements.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve machining, quality, equipment, and production issues.
  • Experience in automotive, motorsports, engine components, aerospace, or other tight-tolerance manufacturing environments is preferred.
  • Strong leadership, communication, coaching, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with ERP, production, or manufacturing systems is preferred.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the USA.

Benefits
We are a team-driven company that values strong working relationships, work/life balance, and the enjoyment of the work we do together. You will find a collaborative environment with Friday team breakfasts, quarterly potlucks, and a culture built on respect and support.
Benefits include:
  • 401k with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and sick time
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee discount