Machine Tool Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Machine Tool Technology equips learners with the advanced technical expertise needed to design, fabricate, and maintain precision components and systems used across modern manufacturing industries. This program emphasizes hands-on proficiency in operating and maintaining industrial machinery, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and safety in high-precision environments.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Learn to generate toolpaths and machine code using specialized software to automate the production of complex parts with high repeatability and precision.
- Advanced Machining Techniques: Develop skills in milling, turning, drilling, and grinding using both manual and CNC-controlled equipment to produce components to exact engineering specifications.
- Blueprint Reading and Technical Documentation: Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and tolerance standards to guide fabrication, assembly, and quality control processes.
- Material Science and Processing: Understand the behavior and properties of metals, plastics, and composites under various manufacturing conditions, including heat treatment, casting, and forming.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Gain the ability to diagnose mechanical and electrical faults in machinery, perform preventive maintenance, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
- Quality Assurance and Metrology: Apply measurement tools and inspection methods—such as micrometers, calipers, and coordinate measuring machines—to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
Machine Tool Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Machine Tool Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Machine Tool Technology degrees, including Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic, Machinists and Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 848,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic 51-4192 | $61,870 | $40,430 - $93,230 | 5,610 | $29.74 |
| Machinists 51-4041 | $56,150 | $38,100 - $78,760 | 298,790 | $27.00 |
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4022 | $49,240 | $35,150 - $69,540 | 8,760 | $23.67 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4023 | $48,630 | $37,090 - $67,500 | 22,350 | $23.38 |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4034 | $48,620 | $36,200 - $65,450 | 18,970 | $23.38 |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4035 | $48,310 | $36,810 - $75,000 | 13,810 | $23.22 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4191 | $47,450 | $35,260 - $64,290 | 14,590 | $22.81 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4021 | $46,980 | $35,390 - $62,470 | 65,700 | $22.59 |
| Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4032 | $46,630 | $35,360 - $65,200 | 5,310 | $22.42 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4081 | $46,060 | $34,130 - $72,850 | 129,850 | $22.14 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4031 | $45,590 | $35,000 - $62,650 | 174,430 | $21.92 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4033 | $45,190 | $34,980 - $61,550 | 70,110 | $21.73 |
| Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other 51-4199 | $42,750 | $33,850 - $62,800 | 20,270 | $20.56 |
Machine Tool Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $40,953 in Mississippi to $101,810 in District of Columbia—a 149% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 848,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Machine Tool Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Machine Tool Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Machine Tool Technology is found at Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (157 graduates), Northeast Technology Center (151 graduates), Colorado Mesa University (CMU) (87 graduates), NTMA Training Centers of Southern California (81 graduates), and Amarillo College (76 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,828 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
157 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Northeast Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
151 | Pryor, Oklahoma | Public | netech.edu |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
87 | Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| NTMA Training Centers of Southern California |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
81 | Santa Fe Springs, California | Private | ntmamcc.org |
| Amarillo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
76 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Central Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
60 | Grand Island, Nebraska | Public | cccneb.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
58 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
56 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Anoka Technical College |
Other Award
|
53 | Anoka, Minnesota | Public | anokatech.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
53 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
46 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Davis Technical College (DATC) |
Other Award
|
45 | Kaysville, Utah | Public | davistech.edu |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
44 | Santa Rosa, California | Public | santarosa.edu |
| Northeastern Technical College (NETC) |
Other Award
|
42 | Cheraw, South Carolina | Public | netc.edu |
| Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
39 | Logan, Utah | Public | btech.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Other Award
|
38 | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Associate's
|
37 | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| El Camino Community College District (ECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Torrance, California | Public | elcamino.edu |
| Meridian Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
34 | Meridian, Mississippi | Public | meridiancc.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
34 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Cerritos College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
33 | Norwalk, California | Public | cerritos.edu |
| Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
33 | Muskogee, Oklahoma | Public | ictech.edu |
| De Anza College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Florence, South Carolina | Public | fdtc.edu |
| Arkansas State University (ASU-Beebe) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Beebe, Arkansas | Public | asub.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Chabot College (CC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Hayward, California | Public | chabotcollege.edu |
| Dixie Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
30 | Saint George, Utah | Public | dixietech.edu |
| St Philip's College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Everett Community College (EvCC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
29 | Everett, Washington | Public | everettcc.edu |
| Santa Ana College (SAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
28 | Santa Ana, California | Public | sac.edu |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
28 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
28 | Kirkland, Washington | Public | lwtech.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Residency
|
27 | Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
27 | Reno, Nevada | Public | tmcc.edu |
| Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
27 | Lehi, Utah | Public | mtec.edu |
| Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
26 | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
26 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | cvtc.edu |
| Heartland Community College (HCC ) |
Other Award
|
25 | Normal, Illinois | Public | heartland.edu |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24 | Senatobia, Mississippi | Public | northwestms.edu |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | kvcc.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
23 | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| Midlands Technical College (MTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | West Columbia, South Carolina | Public | midlandstech.edu |
| Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
23 | Sheridan, Wyoming | Public | sheridan.edu |
| College of Western Idaho (CWI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Nampa, Idaho | Public | cwi.edu |
| Pueblo Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | pueblocc.edu |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Orangeburg, South Carolina | Public | octech.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
22 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Erie 1 BOCES |
Residency
|
22 | West Seneca, New York | Public | e1b.org |
| Vincennes University (VU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | Vincennes, Indiana | Public | vinu.edu |
| Greenville Technical College (GTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Greenville, South Carolina | Public | gvltec.edu |
| Bellingham Technical College (BTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | btc.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
20 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
20 | Ogden, Utah | Public | otech.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Associate's
|
20 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Williamson College of the Trades |
Associate's
|
19 | Media, Pennsylvania | Private | williamson.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
19 | Dickson, Tennessee | Public | tcatdickson.edu |
| Green River College (GRC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Auburn, Washington | Public | greenriver.edu |
| Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | El Reno, Oklahoma | Public | cvtech.edu |
| Fletcher Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
18 | Schriever, Louisiana | Public | fletcher.edu |
| Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | Plainwell, Michigan | Public | michigan.gov |
| Clackamas Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
|
18 | Oregon City, Oregon | Public | clackamas.edu |
| Mid-State Technical College (Mid-State) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
18 | Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin | Public | mstc.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Dunwoody College of Technology (DCT) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | dunwoody.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 | Harriman, Tennessee | Public | tcatharriman.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 | McMinnville, Tennessee | Public | tcatmcminnville.edu |
| Front Range Community College (FRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
16 | Westminster, Colorado | Public | frontrange.edu |
| Ranken Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | ranken.edu |
| Columbia Basin College (CBC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Pasco, Washington | Public | columbiabasin.edu |
| San Jose City College (SJCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | San Jose, California | Public | sjcc.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Albany, Oregon | Public | linnbenton.edu |
| Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Sumter, South Carolina | Public | cctech.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
15 | Morristown, Tennessee | Public | tcatmorristown.edu |
| Reedley College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Reedley, California | Public | reedleycollege.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Central Maine Community College (CMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Auburn, Maine | Public | cmcc.edu |
| Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Fairfield, Maine | Public | kvcc.me.edu |
| East Central College (ECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Union, Missouri | Public | eastcentral.edu |
| Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Public | sfcc.edu |
| Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Gresham, Oregon | Public | mhcc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Jacksboro, Tennessee | Public | tcatjacksboro.edu |
| William R Moore College of Technology |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | mooretech.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
14 | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | tcatnashville.edu |
| Cowley County Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Arkansas City, Kansas | Public | cowley.edu |
| Western Nevada College (WNC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Carson City, Nevada | Public | wnc.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | tcatmemphis.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Laney College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Oakland, California | Public | laney.edu |
| Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Topeka, Kansas | Public | washburntech.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Portland Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pcc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Shelbyville, Tennessee | Public | tcatshelbyville.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Machine Tool Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Machine Tool Technology degree?
Salaries for Machine Tool Technology graduates vary by role and location. Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $61,870 annually, while Machinists earn around $56,150. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $101,810 compared to $40,953 in Mississippi. Approximately 848,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Machine Tool Technology programs?
Currently 248 accredited institutions offer Machine Tool Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (157 graduates), Northeast Technology Center (151 graduates), and Colorado Mesa University (CMU) (87 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Machine Tool Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,992 in 2010 to a peak of 3,738 in 2020, before declining slightly to 3,539 in 2023-24. This represents a 18% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Machine Tool Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic, Machinists, and Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. Related occupations employ approximately 848,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Production Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Production field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Ironworking
A program that prepares individuals to make and install structural, ornamental, and reinforcing metal structures and supports. Includes instruction in drafting, technical mathematics,...
CNC Machinist Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, such as lathes, mills,...
Metal Fabrication
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to further process ferrous and/or non-ferrous metal plates or shapes, and to...
Precision Metal Working
Any instructional program in precision metal work not listed above.
Woodworking
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out and shape stock; assemble wooden articles or subassemblies;...
Furniture Design and Manufacturing
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare and execute furniture design projects, assemble and finish furniture articles...