Engineering craft machinist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Engineering craft machinists use lathes, cutters and grinders to make parts used in manufacturing and engineering.

  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.  
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.  
  • Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.  
  • Align and secure holding fixtures,
Read more about Engineering craft machinist

Engineering craft machinists typically work around 42 to 44 hours per week.

As a Engineering craft machinist you will typically work between 8am and 6pm.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
  • Read more about Engineering craft machinist
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    28,205 GBP *
    per year
    13,500 GBP
    30,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for Engineering craft machinist

    • 29,372 GBP
    • 24,771 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Engineering craft machinist
    Average salary for full-time Engineering craft machinist

    Showing:
    • 13,510 GBP
    • 28,205 GBP
    • 24,771 GBP
    • 29,372 GBP
    Salary over time for Engineering craft machinist

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 32,810 GBP
    • 30,383 GBP
    • 31,414 GBP
    • 31,534 GBP
    • 28,518 GBP
    • 35,658 GBP
    • 28,205 GBP
    • 33,166 GBP
    • 35,370 GBP
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    Future outlook for Engineering craft machinists

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    Balanced outlook
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    Balanced outlook
    1% yearly wage growth (on average)
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    Very good outlook
    38% chance of automation in the future

    Engineering craft machinist - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Engineering craft machinist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 50% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
    • 34% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 5% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You can do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. Courses include:

    • Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
    • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
    • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology

    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Engineering craft machinist

    Manufacturing Engineering

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Engineering craft machinist.
    Operation Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Engineering craft machinist. Check that you know:
    1
    Analytical or scientific software Armchair Machinist software; CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator; Kentech Kipware Trig Kalculator
    2
    Computer aided design CAD software
    3
    Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Autodesk Fusion 360; CNC Mastercam; GRZ Software MeshCAM; OneCNC CAD/CAM
    4
    Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    5
    Industrial control software EditCNC; Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
    Improve your skills today

    Manufacturing Engineering

    Things to highlight for your Engineering craft machinist interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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