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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Machine Repair

  Salary range: $40,000 - $60,500

  Machine Repair is a typical job search query Most salaries for Machine Repair jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $60,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Machine Repair job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Precision Machining

  Salary range: $47,500 - $79,000

  Precision Machining is a common job search query. Most salaries for Precision Machining jobs pay between $47,500 (25th percentile) and $79,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Precision Machining job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Manual Lathe Machine Operator

  Salary range: $38,000 - $51,000

  Manual Lathe Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Manual Lathe Machine Operator jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $51,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Manual Lathe Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Entry Level Machine Operator

  Salary range: $32,500 - $39,500

  Entry Level Machine Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs pay between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Machine Tool Technology

  Salary range: $46,000 - $60,000

  Machine Tool Technology is a typical job search query Most salaries for Machine Tool Technology jobs pay between $46,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Machine Tool Technology 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.

• 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.