Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors
(NOC 7231)
in All Trades and TransportationMachinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 73% of Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $58,053. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.50
Minimum$23.56
Median$35.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$23,087
Minimum$52,882
Median$81,072
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops.
Job duties
Machinists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations.
- Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces.
- Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations.
- Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools.
- Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments.
- May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.
Machining and tooling inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments.
- Maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices.
- Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor.
- Complete and maintain inspection reports.
Sample job titles
- computer numerical control (CNC) machinist
- machine shop inspector
- machining and tooling inspector
- machinist
- machinist apprentice
- maintenance machinist
- tool and die inspector
- tooling inspector
Skills
For these jobs, you should have an interest in machines, precision techniques, and processes. Good hand-eye coordination and agility are needed. You should be comfortable working with tools and able to read mechanical drawings. You must have the ability to work systematically, think analytically, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Employees in automated shops must be comfortable using computer equipment.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in machining is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is available to qualified machinists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
To maintain employment, workers will have to keep abreast of changing technology. In particular, the use of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment has transformed the work of machinists and will continue to do so. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors. Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Other Services
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$45,710 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$56,922 median annual incomeHigh school
$40,233 median annual incomeLess than high school
$41,262 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Machine tool technology/machinist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, moulded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.
Institutions providing this program
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however, a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.