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Machining Tool Operators
What they do?
Machining tool operators perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Study job orders and interpret blueprints to determine machining operations to be performed
B. Set up and operate machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, planing, honing, broaching, grinding or other machining operations
C. Verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, callipers and other precision measuring instruments
D. Prepare etching solution and immerse metal parts or workpiece in etching solution to remove unwanted portions
E. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and machinery
F. May enter codes specifying speed, feed and cut of the toolpath for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.
Where they find work?
1. Fabricated metal product manufacturing - 35.0%
2. Machinery manufacturing - 18.0%
3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing - 16.0%
4. Primary metal manufacturing - 5.0%
5. Wholesale trade - 4.0%
6. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing - 3.0%
What education do I need?
1. You must have some high school education.
2. You may need college or other courses in machining.
3. You usually receive several months' on-the-job training.
4. With experience as a machine operator, you may move up the ranks to a senior position, such as a set-up operator.
5. With apprenticeship training, you may move up the ranks from machining tool operator to become a machinist or tool and die maker.
6. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate, and almost 3 in 10 have a Community College diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
3. Machine Shop
4. Drafting
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Machining Tool Operators is $17.46/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the processing, manufacturing and utilities sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
7% of Machining Tool Operators are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Machining Tool Operators is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($15.80) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (7%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be below average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Machining Tool Operators are found in Ontario and Manitoba while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (27%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Computer skills
2. Mechanics
3. Communication skills
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
2% of Machining Tool Operators are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 17,900 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 48% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average influenced by a similar-to-average age of workers (40).
