10 of the Most Popular Types of Machine Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Machine jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Machine Jobs

• Cnc Machinist

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  The job of a CNC machinist is to ensure the accuracy of production runs by pre-programming and monitoring runs for quality. A CNC machinist has a strong working knowledge of Computer Numeric Controlled machinery and is committed to quality and safety.

• Screw Machine

  Salary range: $38,000 - $55,500

  Screw Machine is a typical job search query Most salaries for Screw Machine jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $55,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Screw Machine job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Machinist

  Salary range: $43,500 - $59,500

  A machinist is someone who uses heavy equipment to cut machinery parts made of different materials including steel, silicon, aluminum, and plastic. Machinist work takes a great amount of focus and precision. Machinists must be able to read mechanical blueprints, make calculations, determine machine speed, and perform precise cuts to create tools, fixtures, building materials, and other products. In addition to creating products based on preset specifications, machinists must also maintain their machines to ensure they cut properly and safely. This means keeping them properly lubricated and regulating their temperature. In many cases, machinists must have a working knowledge of computers which may help them determine cutting patterns and paths.

• Machining

  Salary range: $79,500 - $97,000

  Machining jobs refer to positions in the manufacturing industry that operate computers and machines to create metal parts. Job titles include machinist, mill hand, toolmaker, or fitter. Machinists use powerful tools, such as lathes, grinders, lasers, millers, drill presses, and planers to cut large pieces of metal, wood, glass, or plastics, and turn them into specialized tools. Examples of machinist products include bolts, pistons, and parts for automobiles and airplanes. Precision is a machinist’s top priority; they must carefully manage every step of their process, from developing a plan to cooling the metal.

• No Experience Manufacturing

  Salary range: $31,500 - $43,500

  No Experience Manufacturing is a common job search query. Most salaries for No Experience Manufacturing jobs pay between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $43,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for No Experience Manufacturing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Cnc Operator

  Salary range: $41,000 - $56,000

  A CNC (computer numerical control) machine or router dictates the actions of electromechanical devices. By adding computer programming inputs into the CNC router, a CNC operator (or CNC programmer) can manipulate devices, such as shop machines, into mechanically producing components out of stock material. CNC machines interpret programmed designs as instructions for cutting, sculpting, and finishing prototype parts. CNC is an accurate and repeatable method of machining. Another common CNC method is 3D printing technology.

• Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Heavy Equipment Operator jobs require the safe and proper use of various types of heavy machinery in a large construction or demolition environment. The tasks of a Heavy Equipment Operator vary depending on the type of job and machinery. Examples of heavy equipment include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators most commonly work in construction, oil and gas pipelines, and logging.

• Machine Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500

  Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

• Manufacturing

  Salary range: $42,000 - $60,000

  Manufacturing jobs involve creating new products and goods. Manufacturers use raw materials or separate components to build something entirely new. Whether it’s chemical, physical, or mechanical, as long as you are creating a product, you are working in manufacturing. The only exception is construction, which is considered separate from manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs include making prepackaged food or beverages, creating computers and electronics, and producing clothing. Bakers, printers, tailors, furniture builders, and woodworkers are all considered manufacturers. Most manufacturers work in a factory, mill, or plant, but you can also find work in labs.

• Heavy Equipment

  Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000

  Heavy equipment jobs are typically within the construction or industrial maintenance industries. The two main categories of heavy equipment jobs are heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment mechanic. As a heavy equipment operator, you are in charge of running large pieces of equipment to help build or maintain roads, bridges, large structures, and tunnels or pipelines. Your job duties may include operating bulldozers, front-end loaders, or backhoes responsibly during large projects. Heavy equipment mechanics, on the other hand, help to keep this equipment in working order for the operators by working on engines and other moving parts of the machinery.