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How to Become A Machinist

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What is a Machinist

A machinist uses machine tools to cut, shape, and finish metal parts to exact measurements. It is a hands-on, technical career with real impact across industries like manufacturing, mining, and aerospace. If you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems, machining could be a great fit.

Each day, machinists read technical drawings and set up machines such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders. They monitor the machining process, check finished parts with precision measuring tools, and adjust settings to hit the right tolerances. No two projects are exactly the same, so the work stays interesting.

Technology plays a big part in modern machining. Many machinists work with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, which run complex cuts automatically. Learning CNC programming opens up more job options and better pay as your career grows.

The career outlook is positive. About 2,400 machinists work in Australia, with 89% employed full-time (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). With experience and further training, you can move into CNC programming, team leadership, or run your own machining business.

Career Outlook for Machinist

Machinists in Australia have a stable and positive career outlook. About 2,400 people work in this trade nationally, with 89% employed full-time (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The median age is 45, which shows how much employers value deep trade experience. Most machinists work 40 to 43 hours per week, with overtime common in busy periods.

Future demand is rated stable by the Australian Government (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Growth in clean energy, mining, and advanced manufacturing is creating new openings. Machinists with CNC skills are in high demand. The move toward automated and precision work means skilled machinists will stay essential across Australian industry.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Machinist

Step 1: Build a Strong Base in Secondary School

Focus on maths, physics, and technology in Years 9 and 10. Strong maths skills help you work out tolerances and machine settings on the job. Technical drawing or engineering studies are a bonus if your school offers them.

Step 2: Start an Engineering Apprenticeship

Apply for an engineering tradesperson (mechanical) apprenticeship through an employer or a Group Training Organisation (GTO). This is the main entry path for machinists in Australia. Most run for 3 to 4 years and combine paid on-the-job training with study at a TAFE or RTO.

Step 3: Complete the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)

Your apprenticeship leads to the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219). This is the recognised national qualification for a first-class machinist. It covers lathe and milling work, CNC setup, technical drawing, quality control, and workshop safety. Confirm the current unit list at training.gov.au.

Step 4: Build Experience and Secure Your First Trade Role

Once qualified, you are ready to work as a first-class machinist. Spend your first one to two years in a workshop covering a range of materials and machine types. Early exposure to CNC programming and quality systems builds the depth employers value most.

Step 5: Upskill in CNC and Advanced Manufacturing

Consider a Certificate IV in Engineering (confirm the current code on training.gov.au). CNC training at a registered training organisation is another good option. CNC skills boost your pay. They also open roles in sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, and mining equipment.

What does a Machinist do?

A machinist’s day starts with reviewing technical drawings to plan the work ahead. They set up lathes, milling machines, or CNC equipment, selecting the right tools and material for each job. Once the machine is running, they monitor the cut and adjust settings to keep tolerances tight. They inspect finished parts with precision instruments, record their results, and move on to the next job. Safety checks and basic machine maintenance round out the day. The role mixes focused technical work with hands-on problem-solving throughout every shift.

Tasks

A machinist makes precision parts using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, CNC equipment, and grinders. They follow technical drawings closely and check every piece to make sure it meets spec. The work is technical, methodical, and satisfying when a part comes out exactly right.

  • Machine Setup – Install tooling, set parameters, and calibrate machines before each production run.
  • Blueprint Reading – Read engineering drawings and specifications to find the correct machining approach.
  • Machining Operations – Cut, bore, grind, and shape metal stock to precise dimensions using machine tools.
  • Quality Inspection – Check finished parts with micrometres, callipers, and gauges to confirm they meet tolerances.
  • Equipment Maintenance – Carry out routine maintenance and basic repairs to keep machines in good working order.
  • Problem Solving – Diagnose and fix issues during the machining process to maintain quality and output.
  • Team Collaboration – Work with engineers and other trades workers to meet project goals and timelines.
  • Safety Compliance – Follow workplace health and safety rules at all times on the shop floor.

Skills for Success

To do well as a machinist, you need solid technical skills and a love of hands-on work. The main skills include operating machine tools, reading engineering drawings, and measuring parts with precision instruments. You need a good eye for detail, since even small mistakes can make a part fail.

Maths is a big part of the job. Machinists use it to calculate tolerances, set machine parameters, and check their work. You also need to work well in a team, communicate clearly, and follow strict safety rules on the shop floor.

Skills & Attributes

  • Operating machine tools including lathes, mills, and grinders
  • Setting up and calibrating machines for production
  • Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and blueprints
  • Using precision measuring instruments
  • Mathematical ability for tolerances, feeds, and speeds
  • CNC programming and operation
  • Attention to detail and quality control
  • Mechanical problem-solving and fault diagnosis
  • Knowledge of workplace health and safety
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Time management and production planning
  • Adaptability to new technologies and processes

Average Salaries

Machinists in Australia earn a median of $2,243 per week, or around $116,600 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Pay ranges from around $60,000 for entry-level roles to $150,000 or more for senior CNC specialists. Earnings vary by industry, with mining and aerospace roles often paying above average.

min $60 K

max $150 K

av $117 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.