The machining field is rapidly integrating computers into its operations, so machinists and tool programmers must know how to use a computer. Career Options A career in machine tool technology opens the doors for various jobs. Job Outlook Machinists and CNC programmers held about 393,000 jobs in 1996. In South Carolina, machinists held 7,670 jobs in 1998 with an expected increase of 11.75 percent by 2006. Tool and die makers held 1,341 jobs in South Carolina in 1998, and positions in this field are expected to increase 4.5 percent by 2006.
Most machinists work in small machining shops or manufacturing firms.
These jobs are found in all parts of the country, with most jobs in manufacturing areas. Job opportunities in this field are expected to be good for the next several years. Copyright May 2001.