Machine Shop Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Machine Shop Technology equips students with the practical expertise and technical proficiency needed to produce, modify, and maintain precision metal components. This hands-on program emphasizes craftsmanship, precision, and problem-solving within industrial and manufacturing environments, preparing graduates for immediate entry into high-demand technical roles or entrepreneurial ventures.
- Precision Machining: Mastery of tools and techniques to shape metal parts with exact tolerances, ensuring components meet stringent engineering specifications.
- Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing: Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and schematics to guide accurate fabrication and assembly processes.
- Machine Tool Operation: Hands-on training with lathes, milling machines, grinders, and CNC equipment to perform cutting, shaping, and finishing tasks efficiently.
- Material Science and Properties: Understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including their behavior under stress, heat, and machining conditions.
- CNC Programming and Automation: Development of skills in writing, editing, and executing computer numerical control code for automated machine operations.
- Quality Control and Metrology: Application of measuring instruments and inspection methods to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
- Tooling and Workholding Systems: Knowledge of selecting, maintaining, and applying cutting tools, fixtures, and clamping devices for optimal machining performance.
Machine Shop Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Machine Shop Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Machine Shop Technology degrees, including Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic, Machinists and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. 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 775,280 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 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators 51-9161 | $49,970 | $37,160 - $71,160 | 176,950 | $24.02 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 51-2041 | $49,900 | $37,370 - $70,510 | 53,380 | $23.99 |
| Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners 51-4194 | $48,970 | $33,770 - $74,120 | 5,730 | $23.54 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4191 | $47,450 | $35,260 - $64,290 | 14,590 | $22.81 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4081 | $46,060 | $34,130 - $72,850 | 129,850 | $22.14 |
| 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 Shop Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $42,766 in Arkansas to $101,810 in District of Columbia—a 138% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 775,280 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 Shop Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 97 institutions offering Machine Shop 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 Shop Technology is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (182 graduates), Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) (113 graduates), Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) (89 graduates), Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) (60 graduates), and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) (60 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,634 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
182 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
113 | Owensboro, Kentucky | Public | owensboro.kctcs.edu |
| Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
89 | Florence, Kentucky | Public | gateway.kctcs.edu |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
60 | Elizabethtown, Kentucky | Public | elizabethtown.kctcs.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
|
60 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
57 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | bluegrass.kctcs.edu |
| Somerset Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
49 | Somerset, Kentucky | Public | somerset.kctcs.edu |
| Metropolitan Community College (MCC-KC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
47 | Kansas City, Missouri | Public | mcckc.edu |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
42 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | southcentral.kctcs.edu |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | jefferson.kctcs.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Other Award
|
39 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Residency
|
37 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Maysville, Kentucky | Public | maysville.kctcs.edu |
| Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
34 | Wadley, Alabama | Public | suscc.edu |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Paducah, Kentucky | Public | westkentucky.kctcs.edu |
| Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
31 | Ashland, Kentucky | Public | ashland.kctcs.edu |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Residency
|
29 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
24 | Cumberland, Kentucky | Public | southeast.kctcs.edu |
| Lake Technical College (Lake Tech) |
Other Award
|
22 | Eustis, Florida | Public | laketech.org |
| Central Alabama Community College (CACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
19 | Alexander City, Alabama | Public | cacc.edu |
| Illinois Central College (ICC) |
Other Award
|
19 | East Peoria, Illinois | Public | icc.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Other Award
|
18 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College |
Residency
|
18 | Ogden, Utah | Public | otech.edu |
| McHenry County College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Crystal Lake, Illinois | Public | mchenry.edu |
| Parkland College |
Other Award
|
17 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | parkland.edu |
| Northeast State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Blountville, Tennessee | Public | northeaststate.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Palm Beach State College (PBSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
16 | Lake Worth, Florida | Public | palmbeachstate.edu |
| Richmond Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
16 | Hamlet, North Carolina | Public | richmondcc.edu |
| Portland Community College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
16 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pcc.edu |
| Isothermal Community College (ICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
15 | Spindale, North Carolina | Public | isothermal.edu |
| Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) |
Other Award
|
14 | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbustech.edu |
| Nash Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Public | nashcc.edu |
| Pueblo Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
13 | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | pueblocc.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Haywood Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Clyde, North Carolina | Public | haywood.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| Pickens Technical College (PTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Aurora, Colorado | Public | pickenstech.org |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | pikespeak.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
10 | Mena, Arkansas | Public | uarichmountain.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Other Award
|
10 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
10 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Lenoir Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Kinston, North Carolina | Public | lenoircc.edu |
| Orange Technical College (OTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
9 | Orlando, Florida | Public | orangetechcollege.net |
| Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
9 | Gresham, Oregon | Public | mhcc.edu |
| Athens Technical College (Athens Tech) |
Other Award
|
9 | Athens, Georgia | Public | athenstech.edu |
| Daytona State College (DSC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Public | daytonastate.edu |
| Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
8 | Hopkinsville, Kentucky | Public | hopkinsville.kctcs.edu |
| Ranken Technical College |
Other Award
|
8 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | ranken.edu |
| Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education |
Other Award
|
8 | Pomona, California | Public | ace.pusd.org |
| Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Hazard, Kentucky | Public | hazard.kctcs.edu |
| Auburn Career Center |
Other Award
|
7 | Concord Twp, Ohio | Public | auburncc.org |
| College of the Albemarle (COA) |
Other Award
|
6 | Elizabeth City, North Carolina | Public | albemarle.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Hohenwald, Tennessee | Public | tcathohenwald.edu |
| Eastern Arizona College (EAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Thatcher, Arizona | Public | eac.edu |
| Atlantic Technical College (ATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Coconut Creek, Florida | Public | atlantictechnicalcollege.edu |
| Pinellas Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Clearwater, Florida | Public | myptc.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Chemeketa Community College |
Associate's
|
5 | Salem, Oregon | Public | chemeketa.edu |
| Manatee Technical College (MTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
4 | Bradenton, Florida | Public | manateetech.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Flat Rock, North Carolina | Public | blueridge.edu |
| Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Hickory, North Carolina | Public | cvcc.edu |
| New Castle School of Trades (NCST) |
Associate's
|
4 | New Castle, Pennsylvania | Private | ncstrades.edu |
| Everett Community College (EvCC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
4 | Everett, Washington | Public | everettcc.edu |
| Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | mntc.edu |
| Immokalee Technical College (iTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
4 | Immokalee, Florida | Public | itech.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Muscle Shoals, Alabama | Public | nwscc.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Other Award
|
3 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
3 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| Muskegon Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Muskegon, Michigan | Public | muskegoncc.edu |
| Minnesota State College Southeast |
Other Award
|
3 | Winona, Minnesota | Public | southeastmn.edu |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Sandersville, Georgia | Public | oftc.edu |
| Community College of Denver (CCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ccd.edu |
| John Wood Community College (JWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Quincy, Illinois | Public | jwcc.edu |
| Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Pine City, Minnesota | Public | pine.edu |
| Ridgewater College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Willmar, Minnesota | Public | ridgewater.edu |
| Jamestown Community College (JCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Jamestown, New York | Public | sunyjcc.edu |
| Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Morganton, North Carolina | Public | wpcc.edu |
| Westmoreland County Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Youngwood, Pennsylvania | Public | westmoreland.edu |
| Southeastern Technical College (STC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Vidalia, Georgia | Public | southeasterntech.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Other Award
|
2 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Residency
|
1 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| Suncoast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Sarasota, Florida | Public | sarasotacountyschools.net |
| West Shore Community College (WSCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Scottville, Michigan | Public | westshore.edu |
| Gaston College |
Associate's
|
1 | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
| Butler County Community College (BC3) |
Other Award
|
1 | Butler, Pennsylvania | Public | bc3.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVUP) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Parkersburg, West Virginia | Public | wvup.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Other Award
|
1 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Machine Shop Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Machine Shop Technology degree?
Salaries for Machine Shop 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 $42,766 in Arkansas. Approximately 775,280 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 Shop Technology programs?
Currently 97 accredited institutions offer Machine Shop Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (182 graduates), Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) (113 graduates), and Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) (89 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 Shop Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,140 in 2010 to a peak of 2,373 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,634 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Shop Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic, Machinists, and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. Related occupations employ approximately 775,280 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.
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