The job requires stamina because machinists stand most of the day and may lift moderately heavy workpieces. Some tool programmers work in offices that are near, but separate from, the shop floor. These work areas are usually clean, well lighted, and free of machine noise. Most machinists and tool programmers work a 40-hour week. Evening and weekend shifts are becoming more common as companies invest in more expensive machinery.
Overtime is common during peak production periods.
Employment Machinists and tool programmers held about 359,000 jobs in 1992. Most machinists worked in small machining shops or in manufacturing firms that produce durable goods such as metalworking and industrial machinery, aircraft, or motor vehicles. Maintenance machinists work in most industries that use production machinery. Although machinists and tool programmers work in all parts of the country, jobs are most plentiful in areas where manufacturing is concentrated. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement A high school or vocational school education, including mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting, is desirable for becoming a machinist or tool programmer.