How to become a Fitter and Turner
Fits, assembles, grinds and shapes metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Main tasks
- Reads blueprints and technical specifications to understand the requirements for the metal component to be machined
- Prepares and configures machine tools for specific jobs, and ensures correct fixtures, settings and tools are applied
- Operates lathes to create cylindrical parts
- Fits and assembles metal parts and subassemblies according to engineering specifications
- Uses hand tools and power tools to grind, file and polish metal parts
- Tests and adjusts completed machines and equipment to ensure proper functioning
- Inspects finished products for quality and accuracy
- Performs operational maintenance of machinery
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219); Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM60322); Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology (MSA60108); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Certificate I in Engineering (MEM10119)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $135,512 a year
- About 123,000 people work in this job group now, and about 131,800 are projected by 2035. (+7.2%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Fitter and Turner?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning; Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade.
How much does a Fitter and Turner earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $135,512 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Fitter and Turner a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 123,000 to about 131,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Fitter and Turner?
Usually not. Only 1% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning; Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade.
Will AI change the work of a Fitter and Turner?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04