Could you become a Metal Machinist (First Class)?
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Demand steady
What this job is
A metal machinist operates precision machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinding equipment to shape, finish, and produce metal components to specified tolerances in manufacturing, engineering, or job-shop settings. They read engineering drawings and work instructions, set up machines with appropriate tooling and cutting parameters, and perform quality checks throughout production to ensure parts meet dimensional and surface finish specifications. First-class machinists supervise junior machinists, troubleshoot complex machining problems, and may plan sequences for high-precision or complex components.
Pay
A$2,606 a week
This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.
Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
What this role asks for
- Attention to Detailcore
- Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
- CAM softwarecore
- Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
- Incident Reportingcore
- Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
- Problem Solvingcore
- Process Improvement Identificationcore
- Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
- Risk Identificationcore
- Team Collaborationcore
- Time Management and Prioritisationcore
- Verbal Communicationcore
- Workload Self-Managementcore
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Advise on machinery malfunctions
- ERP and Inventory Systems
- Process Documentation
- Record Management
- Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
- Research and Analysis
- Written Communication