Machining Tool Operators
(NOC 9417)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesMachining tool operators set up and use or tend metal-cutting machines designed for repetitive machining work. They work for metal products and other manufacturing companies and in machine shops. This group also includes workers who etch or chemically mill metal pieces.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Machining Tool Operators most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 75% of Machining Tool Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $42,119. 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
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$34,276
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Machining tool operators set up and use or tend metal-cutting machines designed for repetitive machining work. They work for metal products and other manufacturing companies and in machine shops. This group also includes workers who etch or chemically mill metal pieces.
Job duties
Machining tool operators:
- Study job orders and interpret blueprints to decide what machining operations to do.
- Set up and use machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations like turning, milling, drilling, boring, planing, honing, broaching, and grinding.
- Verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, callipers and other precision measuring instruments.
- Prepare etching solution and dip metal parts or workpiece in etching solution to get rid of unwanted parts.
- Maintain equipment and machinery.
- May enter codes specifying speed, feed and cut of the toolpath for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.
Sample job titles
- aircraft parts etcher
- boring mill operator
- computer numerical control (CNC) machining tool operator
- lathe machining operator
- machining tool operator
- mulling machine set-up operator
- production gear cutter
- production grinder operator
- radial drill operator
Skills
You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical ability are important. You must be accurate and pay attention to detail. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school may be necessary.
- College or other courses in machining may be needed.
- Several months of on-the-job training are provided.
- Senior positions in this unit group like set-up operator require experience as a machine operator.
Other considerations
Shiftwork is common in these jobs. Experienced machining tool operators may become machinists or tool and die makers through apprenticeship training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
North Shore
Cape Breton
Halifax
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe 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
Various, NS
Various, NS
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students 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
Stellarton, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.