How to become a Metal Machinist
Official title: Metal Machinist (First Class)
Sets up and operates machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using drawings and specifications.
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
- Forms metal stock and castings to fine tolerances using machining tools to press, cut, grind, plane, bore and drill metal
- Checks fabricated and assembled metal parts for accuracy, clearance and fit using precision measuring instruments
- Polishes, deburs and finishes the machined parts to ensure they meet the specified finish quality
- May program and operate computer numerical control machines to guide machine tools in producing parts
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM60322); Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology (MSA60108); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Diploma of Engineering - Materials (MEM50522); Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519); Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (MSA30208); Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology (MSA40108); 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.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Metal Machinist?
Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning; Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology.
How much does a Metal Machinist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $135,512 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Metal Machinist 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 Metal Machinist?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning; Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Metal Machinist?
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