Machine Tool Technology/Machinist

CIP 48.0501 Certificate Associate

Program Availability

Schools Offering

226

330 total including inactive

States

Across 36 states

Graduates (2023)

1,978

Total completions

Machine Tool Technology/Machinist is offered as a certificate and associate program at schools across 36 states, making it a solid trade program. The most popular states are Tennessee, California and Wisconsin.

Career & Cost Overview

Median Salary

$45,590

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Job Growth

-12.1%

10-year projected growth

Median Tuition

$3,778

In-state annual rate

Graduates typically pursue careers as Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. In-state tuition ranges from $1,104 to $13,543, and the work is primarily indoor with moderate physical demands — suited for hands-on learners who enjoy practical work.

Graduate Demographics

Gender Distribution

Male: 1,827 (92.4%)

Female: 151 (7.6%)

Degree Level Distribution

Certificate: 979 (49.5%)

Associate: 999 (50.5%)

Is This Career Right for You?

Interest Profile (Holland Codes)

Realistic

Conventional

Investigative

hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data; research, analysis, and problem-solving

What does this mean? ▼

This career is best suited for people who enjoy:

Building things
Working with hands
Organization
Data management
Conducting research
Solving complex problems

Ideal Candidate Profile

👤 Personality Traits

✓ Practical

✓ Hands-on

✓ Organized

✓ Detail-oriented

✓ Analytical

✓ Curious

💡 Interests

● Building things

● Working with hands

● Organization

● Data management

● Conducting research

● Solving complex problems

⭐ Work Values

♦ Speaking

♦ Active Listening

♦ Monitoring

♦ Time Management

♦ Knowledge

♦ Independence

❓ Ask Yourself These Questions

Do you enjoy hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data; research, analysis, and problem-solving?

Do you value speaking?

Are you willing to develop the technical skills required for this field?

✓ This Career May Be Great For You If:

• Hands-on learners who enjoy practical work
• Analytical thinkers who enjoy problem-solving
• Detail-oriented individuals who value organization

⚠ Consider These Challenges:

• Those who prefer desk-based, theoretical work
• Those who prefer routine tasks
• Those who dislike repetitive tasks

💭

Note: This assessment is based on typical requirements and characteristics for careers in this field. Individual experiences may vary. Consider your own interests, values, and goals when making career decisions.