Best institutions to study Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.
87 U.S. institutions graduated 1,542 Machine Shop Technology/Assistant students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 48.0503, a specialization of Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05), and leads most directly to the Machinists occupation (BLS SOC 51-4041).
About Machine Shop Technology/Assistant programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Machine Shop Technology/Assistant program, part of the Precision Metal Working field, prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in fabricating and modifying metal parts. This program is ideal for those interested in supporting manufacturing, repair, or design activities, or pursuing an independent business in metalworking. Students will gain hands-on experience with various machine tools and techniques, making this program suitable for anyone looking to enter the precision production industry. With a focus on practical skills, graduates will be equipped to meet the demands of modern manufacturing environments.
Core coursework covers essential skills such as mathematics, mechanical knowledge, and production processes. Students will learn to calculate dimensions, operate machine tools, and ensure quality through precise measurements and testing.
Credentials awarded
What Machine Shop Technology/Assistant graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year992 graduates / yr · 67 institutions64%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years293 graduates / yr · 39 institutions19%
- Award of less than 12 weeks124 graduates / yr · 5 institutions8.0%
- Associate's degree120 graduates / yr · 28 institutions7.8%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years13 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.8%
Graduates over time
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2,113 |
| 2013 | 2,396 |
| 2014 | 3,018 |
| 2015 | 3,189 |
| 2016 | 3,024 |
| 2017 | 3,259 |
| 2018 | 3,111 |
| 2019 | 2,998 |
| 2020 | 2,373 |
| 2021 | 1,921 |
| 2022 | 1,588 |
| 2023 | 1,663 |
| 2024 | 1,634 |
| 2025 | 1,542 |
Top 50 institutions for Machine Shop Technology/Assistant, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 170 | 40% | — | $41,767 |
| 2 | Owensboro Community and Technical College Owensboro, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 107 | 54% | — | $45,366 |
| 3 | West Georgia Technical College Waco, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 67 | 35% | — | — |
| 4 | Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 65 | 59% | — | $42,233 |
| 5 | Southern Union State Community College Wadley, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 54 | 36% | — | — |
| 6 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 51% | — | $41,421 |
| 7 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 46 | 43% | — | $46,133 |
| 8 | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Elizabethtown, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 45 | 59% | — | $53,172 |
| 9 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 45 | 35% | — | — |
| 10 | Southwestern Illinois College Belleville, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 43 | 36% | — | $31,692 |
| 11 | Somerset Community College Somerset, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 40 | 43% | — | $41,415 |
| 12 | Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 38 | 34% | — | $36,908 |
| 13 | Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Bowling Green, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 33 | 58% | — | $58,996 |
| 14 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 28 | 65% | — | $53,507 |
| 15 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg Parkersburg, WVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 27 | 9% | — | — |
| 16 | Central Alabama Community College Alexander City, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 26 | 33% | — | — |
| 17 | Orange Technical College - South Campus Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 24 | 35% | — | $39,539 |
| 18 | Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 24 | 47% | — | $30,566 |
| 19 | Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 22 | 56% | — | $36,394 |
| 20 | Pine Technical & Community College Pine City, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 36% | — | — |
| 21 | Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 43% | — | $31,448 |
| 22 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 38% | — | — |
| 23 | Illinois Central College East Peoria, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 49% | — | — |
| 24 | Ogden - Weber Technical College Ogden, UTPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 20 | 53% | — | $39,699 |
| 25 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 21% | — | $34,042 |
| 26 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 44% | — | $43,380 |
| 27 | Atlantic Technical College Coconut Creek, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 17 | 65% | — | — |
| 28 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College Paducah, KYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 17 | 50% | — | $35,603 |
| 29 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 47% | — | $29,107 |
| 30 | Lake Technical College Eustis, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 47% | — | $33,687 |
| 31 | Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 51% | — | $36,796 |
| 32 | Lanier Technical College Gainesville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 34% | — | $28,890 |
| 33 | Parkland College Champaign, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 32% | — | — |
| 34 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 53% | $17,520 | $45,004 |
| 35 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 18% | — | — |
| 36 | University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain Mena, ARPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 55% | — | — |
| 37 | Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 64% | — | $41,602 |
| 38 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 43% | — | $38,002 |
| 39 | Piedmont Technical College Greenwood, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 33% | — | $34,928 |
| 40 | Immokalee Technical College Immokalee, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 13 | 86% | — | — |
| 41 | Savannah Technical College Savannah, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 42% | — | $41,604 |
| 42 | Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 31% | — | $40,149 |
| 43 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Charlotte Charlotte, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 70% | $22,093 | — |
| 44 | Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater Clearwater, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 52% | — | $40,795 |
| 45 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 17% | — | $27,696 |
| 46 | Athens Technical College Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 51% | — | — |
| 47 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 9 | 31% | — | $36,930 |
| 48 | Haywood Community College Clyde, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 34% | — | — |
| 49 | Nash Community College Rocky Mount, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 41% | — | — |
| 50 | Northeast State Community College Blountville, TNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 33% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Precision Metal Working field (CIP 48.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 25 states
Where Machine Shop Technology/Assistant graduates come from. Each state links to all Precision Metal Working programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-4041, Machinists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Machine Shop Technology/Assistant program can pursue careers as machinists, computer numerically controlled tool operators, and other related positions. The job outlook shows little to no change, with approximately 29,500 annual openings and a median wage of $56,150, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 48.0503
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Machinistsprimary SOC 51-4041 | $58,750 | 0.0% Little or no change | ~29,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators SOC 51-9161 | $50,690 | -10.7% Decline | ~13,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4081 | $47,180 | -0.5% Little or no change | ~12,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4033 | $46,550 | -12.0% Decline | ~5,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters SOC 51-2041 | $51,330 | -16.3% Decline | ~4,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other SOC 51-4199 | $45,950 | -9.5% Decline | ~1,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4191 | $48,750 | -12.8% Decline | ~1,200 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic SOC 51-4192 | $63,870 | -5.4% Decline | ~500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners SOC 51-4194 | $50,060 | -7.8% Decline | ~500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Machine Shop Technology/Assistant programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
- Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
- Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Tools and technology used
Other Precision Metal Working specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05).
- Welding Technology/CIP 48.0508
Welder 64,198 graduates / yr911 institutions - Machine Tool Technology/CIP 48.0501
Machinist 3,489 graduates / yr228 institutions - Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CIP 48.0510
CNC Machinist 2,248 graduates / yr166 institutions - Metal FabricatorCIP 48.0511588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Tool and Die Technology/CIP 48.0507
Technician 423 graduates / yr35 institutions - Sheet Metal Technology/CIP 48.0506
Sheetworking 415 graduates / yr18 institutions - Precision Metal WorkingCIP 48.0599296 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Ironworking/CIP 48.0509
Ironworker limited data102 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What credentials can I earn from this program?+
You can earn various awards, including those lasting at least 12 weeks and up to an associate's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, active listening, and machine operation.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a machinist, CNC tool operator, or in other metalworking roles.
What is the job outlook for careers in this field?+
The job outlook shows little change, with around 29,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Machine Shop Technology/Assistant?+
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant is CIP 48.0503 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.
How many institutions offer Machine Shop Technology/Assistant programs?+
87 U.S. institutions reported Machine Shop Technology/Assistant graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 25 states, awarding 1,542 credentials in the year. That is 2.1% of all Precision Metal Working graduates.
How much do Machine Shop Technology/Assistant graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Machinists occupation, which Machine Shop Technology/Assistant most directly leads to, pays a median of $58,750 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Precision Metal Working field report median earnings of $39,539 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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