How do I become a machinist
Get qualified to work as a machinist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Machinist.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Machinist generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
The number of people working as a Machinist has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 118,200 in this role in Australia compared to 120,900 five years ago. Machinists may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
To become a Machinist, consider the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade. This course will give you the basic skills to get started in a manufacturing or engineering environment. You could also consider a Certificate IV in Engineering (Instrumentation) or a Certificate IV in Engineering (Maintenance).
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
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10th November 2023
Most popular engineering courses
12th June 2022All machinist courses
- AUR21520 Certificate II in Automotive Cylinder Head Reconditioning
- FWP31121 Certificate III in Wood Machining
- MEM13019 Undertake Work Health and Safety Activities in the Workplace
- MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
- MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining Trade)
Machinist careers
A Machinist uses specialist machinery to create metal parts for a range of equipment. You’ll use technical drawings or set specifications to set up your machinery and create parts as prescribed. You may also fit them into equipment to make sure they work effectively. Machinists might use a range of techniques from pressing and cutting to drilling, planning and grinding.
Machinists need to have excellent problem solving skills and be able to analyse situations to find the best solution. You’ll need excellent attention to detail and should be highly skilled in your work. Machinists may work in a set location or might have to travel to other places where machinery is located. It’s important you can follow directions and work as part of a team.
