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

• 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.

• Factory Worker

  Salary range: $32,000 - $37,500

  The duties and responsibilities of a factory worker vary depending on the purpose of the factory. As a factory worker, you take part in at least one aspect of the manufacturing or production process. The different steps needed to produce a product are collectively called a production line. A factory worker may use machinery or perform manual tasks as part of the line. Some factory workers monitor output, pack or sort finished products, or assess the quality of manufactured goods. You may also be trained to do multiple jobs on the line.

• 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 Builder

  Salary range: $41,000 - $53,000

  Machine Builder is a typical job search query Most salaries for Machine Builder jobs pay between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Machine Builder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• No Experience Machinist

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

  No Experience Machinist is a typical job search query Most salaries for No Experience Machinist jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for No Experience Machinist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Machinery Technician

  Salary range: $43,500 - $64,500

  Machinery Technician is a typical job search query Most salaries for Machinery Technician jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $64,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Machinery Technician job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Union Machinist

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

  Union Machinist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Union Machinist jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Union Machinist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• 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.

• 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.