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Machine Tool Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howmet Aerospace has an opening for a Tool Readiness Operator in our Tucson, AZ location. Howmet ... Maintain inventory for machine tooling within the drawing and specification requirements.

Tool Operator participates in the planning, execution, and management of all phases of any job to ensure delivery of services according to client requirements and expectations. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES ...

Howmet Aerospace has an opening for a Tool Readiness Operator in our Tucson, AZ location. Howmet ... Maintain inventory for machine tooling within the drawing and specification requirements.

Howmet Aerospace has an opening for a Tool Readiness Operator in our Tucson, AZ location. Howmet ... Maintain inventory for machine tooling within the drawing and specification requirements.

CNC Mill Machinist

Morrow, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Valley Machine Tool is a family-owned and operated business that has served in the manufacturing industry for over 50 years. We are a job shop with capabilities to reach a wide range of industries ...

CNC Machinist

Aberdeen, SD · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Welcome to Aberdeen Machine Tool! We are currently seeking a talented and skilled CNC Machinist to ... As a CNC Machinist, you will be responsible for setting up and operating CNC machine tools to ...

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Machine Tool Operator information

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$16

$25

$32

How much do machine tool operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine tool operator in the United States is $25.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine tool operator?

Machine tool operators are skilled workers who set up, operate, and maintain machines that cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They work with equipment such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses to manufacture precision parts and products. Machine tool operators read blueprints or technical drawings, ensure machines are properly calibrated, and monitor production for quality and safety. Their work is essential in manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine tool operator?

To thrive as a Machine Tool Operator, you need a solid understanding of machining processes, blueprint reading, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC machines, manual lathes, milling machines, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure precise, efficient, and safe operation of machinery, which is crucial for maintaining product quality and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by machine tool operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Machine tool operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision during repetitive tasks, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and managing tight production schedules. To address these, it's important to stay vigilant about quality checks, promptly report or fix minor issues before they escalate, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Many workplaces provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration, which helps operators stay updated on best practices and new technologies.

What is the difference between Machine Tool Operator vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Tool OperatorMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, machine shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, custom fabrication shops
Job FocusSet up, operate, and monitor machines to produce partsDesign, set up, and operate machines; create custom parts and tools
Common UsageManufacturing, assembly lines, mass productionPrecision machining, custom manufacturing, tool making

While both roles involve operating machinery in manufacturing settings, Machine Tool Operators primarily focus on running and monitoring machines to produce parts, often following established specifications. Machinists typically have more technical training and are involved in designing and setting up complex machines for custom or precision work. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Machine Tool Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Machine Tool Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Machine Tool Operator job openings:

What states have the most Machine Tool Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Machine Tool Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Machine Tool Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Tool Operator jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Machine Tool Operator jobs?

For Machine Tool Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Machine Tool Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,407 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

MACHINE TOOL OPERATOR with Security Clearance

Department of the Navy

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * You will manufacture complex and non-routine parts and items of equipment from raw stock of different metals, metal alloys, and other materials. * You will perform machining operations on computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools including shop floor programming. * You will make independent interpretation and translation of work orders, drawings, and specifications that are often lacking in such items as dimensions, tolerances, and types of fits and finishes. * You will independently troubleshoot a wide range of equipment and determine repair processes in conjunction with appropriate engineering and/or other technical authority. Requirements Conditions of employment * Must be a US Citizen. * Must be determined suitable for federal employment. * Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov * Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. * Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. * You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination. * You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. * You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift. * This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. Qualifications Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the screen out listed below. This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. The Screen-out for this position is performing the following tasks: 1) Manufacturing complex and non-routine parts and items of equipment from raw stock of different metals, metal alloys, and other materials; 2) Performing machining of surfaces at unusual or compound angles, and 3) Performing machining operations on computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools including shop floor programming and using such procedures as multiple setups, in place machining of fixtures, debugging first run programs, and making or suggesting changes to machine tool programs. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required. This position requires rotating shift work. This position requires exposure to high noise levels. If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management. Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: . Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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