ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Precision Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elwood Staffing

CNC Precision Machinist

Gadsden, AL

$18/hr

CNC Precision Machinist Local Machine shop looking for experienced precision machinist! Company Profile Precision machine job shop located just south of Gadsden in Rainbow City, AL What's in it for ...

Cox and Company

Aerospace Precision Machinist

Plainview, NY · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Description Aerospace Precision Machinist Cox & Company, Inc. is seeking an outgoing and detail-oriented Machinist to join our manufacturing team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work ...

Bausch + Lomb

Precision Machinist I

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Performs daily and regular cleaning and light maintenance tasks on CNC machinery. * Complies with all quality policies, specifications, regulations and instructions. SUPERVISE DIRECT REPORTS (yes or ...

Amcor plc

Precision Machinist - Lathes

Erie, PA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Machine cylindrical components to precise dimensions using manual and/or CNC lathes. Responsibilities (including, but not limited to): * Set up and operate lathe equipment * Perform turning, boring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrecision Machinist Jobs

Precision Machinist information

See salary details

$19

$31

$39

How much do precision machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for precision machinist in the United States is $31.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a precision machinist do?

A precision machinist operates and maintains machine tools to produce parts with high accuracy and tight tolerances. They interpret technical drawings, use measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers, and work with materials such as metal or plastic in a manufacturing environment. Precision machinists often require specialized skills, certifications, and attention to detail to ensure quality and precision in their work.

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

To thrive as a Precision Machinist, you need strong mechanical aptitude, mathematical proficiency, blueprint reading skills, and typically a vocational diploma or apprenticeship in machining. Familiarity with CNC machines, manual lathes and mills, precision measuring tools, and CAD/CAM software is essential, and certifications like NIMS can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and reliability are crucial soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the accurate production of complex components, uphold safety standards, and maintain the quality and efficiency demanded in manufacturing environments.

What Is a Precision Machinist?

The job duties of a precision machinist revolve around working to set up, program, and operate a machine to create precision tools, products, or instruments. In this career, your responsibilities may include reading blueprints and obtaining measurements/geometric information to aid in the manufacturing of precision tools or devices. Your employer may ask you to set up and operate conventional machines or CNC machines for their precision machining projects. You may need to assemble machined parts and control the speed of the material feed and cutting during production.

What are precision machinists?

Precision machinists are skilled tradespeople who use machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to create highly accurate metal parts and components. They read blueprints and technical drawings to set up machines and ensure parts meet exact specifications. Precision machinists are essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing where precise tolerances are critical for safety and performance.

How much do precision machinists make?

Precision machinists typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled machinists with advanced tools and certifications can earn higher wages, especially in specialized manufacturing environments or with overtime work.

What is the difference between Precision Machinist vs CNC Machinist?

AspectPrecision MachinistCNC Machinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in machiningHigh school diploma, technical training, CNC programming certifications
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, working with manual and CNC machinesManufacturing facilities, operating CNC machines, programming and setup
Industry UsageWidely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturingCommon in high-volume production, aerospace, and precision parts manufacturing

Both Precision Machinists and CNC Machinists work in manufacturing environments, often with overlapping skills. Precision Machinists focus on manual and precision machining techniques, while CNC Machinists specialize in programming and operating CNC machines. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What types of projects or components will I typically work on as a Precision Machinist, and how does teamwork factor into the role?

As a Precision Machinist, you'll commonly manufacture complex components for industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or manufacturing equipment. You'll often be responsible for interpreting blueprints, setting up and operating CNC machines, and ensuring that finished parts meet exact specifications. Collaboration is key—machinists regularly work with engineers, quality inspectors, and other machinists to solve production challenges and maintain high standards. This teamwork ensures that projects stay on schedule and that quality and safety protocols are consistently met.

What is the highest paid machinist job?

The highest paid machinist roles are often specialized positions such as CNC programmer or aerospace machinist, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These roles can offer higher salaries due to the complexity of tasks and industry demands, with some earning over $70,000 annually depending on location and expertise.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for precision machinists or similar skilled trades can reach $2000 a day, especially for those with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries like aerospace or oil and gas. Such roles often require extensive experience, precision equipment knowledge, and sometimes overtime or project-based work to achieve this level of income.
More about Precision Machinist jobs
What cities are hiring for Precision Machinist jobs? Cities with the most Precision Machinist job openings:
What states have the most Precision Machinist jobs? States with the most job openings for Precision Machinist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Precision Machinist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Precision Machinist jobs are:
Precision Machinist jobs near you
Precision Machinist

Precision Machinist

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Broken Arrow, OK • On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 418 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Essential Job Requirements:
• Setup/teardown of machine tools - load and/or unload jaws, fixtures, tooling as needed
• Download programs from central database
• Make program changes as needed to improve process
• Load and unload parts from machine
• Utilize measuring equipment for frequent inspection of in-process and finished products to control quality through the machining processes. Including micrometers, calipers, Pi tapes, rail gages, etc.
• Monitor cutting tools and adjust as needed, make machine offsets and index or change inserts as needed
• Make tooling changes as needed to improve process
• Keep immediate area clean and orderly
Equipment Used:
• Machine tools such as but not limited to CNC Lathes, Mills, or VTL's
• Hand tools
• Pallet jacks
• Jib crane
Our ideal candidate is motivated by daily and weekend overtime.
• 1st Shift: Monday - Friday (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
• 2nd Shift: *Monday - Thursday (4:00 PM - 2:30 AM) "4-10's"
• 2nd shift differential pay of $3/hour is in addition to base pay
• SWW Shift: *Friday - Sunday (4:00 AM - 4:30 PM) "2-12's"
• SWW shift differential pay of $2/hour is in addition to base pay
• Extensive machining experience
• Experience with either Horizontal-Vertical lathes and/or Mills and/or Mill-Turn Machines
• Ability to make all minor program changes if needed.
• Read and understand engineering routing and process drawings.
• Ability to determine when cutting tools are dull and should be changed or indexed.
• Ability to use measuring instruments, including but not limited to calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, etc.
• Good working knowledge of math and minimal trigonometry.
• Ability to follow complex written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend drawings and shop routing.
Desired Qualifications:
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Experience working in a production and/or manufacturing environment.
• Be able to read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Extensive experience working in a production and/or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with 5 axis.
• Technical degree or certification.
• Previous tool design experience.
• Previous experience programming and operating high accuracy measurement/instrumentation systems.
Average Pay Range:
$32-$38 an hour
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O.
Summary Pay Range:
$30.75 - $46.13
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Posting Dates:
June 10, 2026 - July 7, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

What Solar Turbines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply