Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
Total graduates
120
2025 · 28 schools
International share
0.8%
1 international students
Overview
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant is a specialized field that focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of operating and managing machine shops. This program typically covers a variety of skills necessary for working with machining tools and equipment, including lathes, milling machines, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines.
Students in this program learn about the processes involved in manufacturing and fabricating metal and other materials, emphasizing precision and accuracy. Coursework often includes topics such as blueprint reading, machining processes, tool design, material properties, and safety practices in the machine shop environment. Hands-on training is a significant component, allowing students to gain practical experience in operating machinery and performing various machining tasks.
Graduates of the Machine Shop Technology/Assistant program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. They may find employment as machinists, CNC operators, or shop supervisors, among other roles. The demand for skilled machinists remains strong, given the ongoing need for precision manufacturing in numerous sectors.
Additionally, this field offers opportunities for further advancement, as individuals may choose to specialize in areas such as CNC programming or machine design. Overall, a career in Machine Shop Technology/Assistant can be rewarding, providing stable employment and the chance to work with advanced technologies in a dynamic industrial environment.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 73% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.8%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 28 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machinists | 287,050 | $28.52 | $59,320 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 169,450 | $26.11 | $54,320 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 124,590 | $24.05 | $50,030 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 67,000 | $23.16 | $48,170 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | 52,360 | $25.98 | $54,030 |
| Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other | 15,900 | $23.36 | $48,580 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 14,000 | $24.26 | $50,450 |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | 5,970 | $31.98 | $66,520 |
| Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | 5,600 | $25.59 | $53,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.