I know this is kinda sensitive but I didn't see anything about it in the rules.
I live in USA, Texas. Today at work I started wondering if this is what I wanted to do for my career.
Pretty much a co-worker asked me if I was going to become a machinist or go to school for something because machinist don't make that much money. I don't really remember what I said but it was very unclear as we got interrupted or something. I was thinking that I might have to go to school to learn some stuff for machining, but what I keep thinking about is if machinist don't make good money?
I know another coworker has a pretty nice truck and has a pretty fast car too as well has guns... I don't know what his wife does but it makes me think he's doing well? I as a general laborer think I get paid pretty well for what I do but I worry about my knees and how much I will have to rebuy tools. (Someone is using calipers from the 80's and they're still in good shape then I'm using some from 2000's that have worn nibs and someone just got some new calipers) Like buying calipers every year.
As I do think I get paid nicely, I don't think its near enough for me to live alone. If I did I'm pretty sure it would be pretty rough... So how much do machinist make? My shop has many cnc machines but does keep manual machines around. Anything like "I used to make XX when I started" or maybe a wage you have succeeded would be helpful to me.
Basically wondering if I want to graduate from general laborer to machinist or to something else. I need to start working on it soon.
Thanks,
Awaqa909
How much does a machinist make, is a very broad question. It depends on many factors. Some of them are:- 1. what class of machinist, 2. what industry, 3. location, 4. how good are you at it.
A more important question is what do you want to do, what makes you happy. how hard are you prepared to work to get the qualifications you need. Do you have the basic education required for further education in the field you require.
I come from a land down under, and our system, while similar to yours does have some subtle differences. The first rule is to do what makes you happy. If you are going to make a career out of it you must enjoy it. At the end of the day job satisfaction is more important than pay scale, but you can have both.
I can honestly say I have loved every job I've ever had, but I've been lucky, I was often at the right place at the right time. When i left high school I din't have very good grades, (my fault entirely). I was lucky I managed to get a job as an apprentice fitter and turner 5 year contract, didn't like it much at first, but by the beginning of the second year I was getting hooked on the fascination of what can be made, I started paying attention, and suddenly realised I liked my job, it still didn't pay much, but what the heck I was enjoying it, having fun learning.
My bosses notice my new enthusiasm and started giving me more interesting and challenging work. Long story short, by the time I finished my apprenticeship the company had sponsored me for the extra year of training to become a toolmaker. over the next couple of years I tried my hand at a few different things always adding experience to my skills set.
A couple of years later looking for adventure I signed onto a ship as a general engine room hand. It didn't take long for them to discover that I was a competent machinist and welder. before long the company was offering to send me to school to become a marine engineer. I accepted and the rest is history.
That is the ultimate job. degree in marine engineering, lathes milling machines and welding equipment to play with. Incredible challenges when things go wrong. When a ship breaks down at sea, you can't call roadside assistance, or go to store and pick up a new part. You, the engineers on board, have to fix it. Weld it, machine a new part, whatever it takes, you have to fix it. Naturally this job pays very well. And has immense job satisfaction.