How to become a machinist and machining and tooling inspector
Official title: Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
Also called: Machinist, Bench machinist, Master machinist, Set-up machinist, General machinist, Tooling inspector, Aircraft machinist, Aviation machinist, Toolroom inspector, Toolroom machinist, Machining inspector, Precision machinist
Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Machinists
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
- Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
- Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
- Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
- Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
- May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators
- Machining and tooling inspectors
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification. Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories. Trade certification for tool and gauge inspectors is available, but voluntary, in Ontario. Trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba. Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified machinists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,500 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $70,200.
- About 43,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 44,400 are projected by 2033. (+2.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Tool and die makers
- Sheet metal workers
- Boilermakers
- Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- Ironworkers
- Welders and related machine operators
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a machinist and machining and tooling inspector?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification. Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories. Trade certification for tool and gauge inspectors is available, but voluntary, in Ontario. Trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba. Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified machinists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a machinist and machining and tooling inspector earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,750 to $70,200.
Is a machinist and machining and tooling inspector a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 2% by 2033, from about 43,400 to about 44,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a machinist and machining and tooling inspector?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03