94106 – Machining tool operators
Lead statement
Machining tool operators set up and operate or tend metal-cutting machines designed for repetitive machining work. This unit group also includes workers who etch or chemically mill metal pieces.
Main duties
- Study job orders and interpret blueprints to determine machining operations to be performed
- Set up and operate machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, planing, honing, broaching, grinding or other machining operations
- Verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, callipers and other precision measuring instruments
- Prepare etching solution and immerse metal parts or workpiece in etching solution to remove unwanted portions
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment and machinery
- May enter codes specifying speed, feed and cut of the toolpath for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.
Employment requirements
- Secondary school education is required.
- College or other courses in machining may be required.
- Several weeks of on-the-job training are provided.
- Senior positions in this unit group, such as set-up operator, require experience as a machine operator.
Example job titles
aircraft parts etcher · automatic screw machine operator · automatic transfer machine operator - metal machining · axle lathe operator · barrel rifler · small arms barrel threader · bearing grinder · bolt-threading machine operator · boring machine operator - metal machining · boring mill operator - metal machining · brake drum lathe operator · broaching machine operator - metal machining · Bullard multiple-spindle lathe operator · camming machine operator - metal machining · chucking machine set-up operator - metal machining · computer numerical control (CNC) lathe operator - metal machining · computer numerical control (CNC) machining tool operator · computer numerical control (CNC) profile mill operator · connecting rod borer · countersinker - metal machining · custom screw machine operator · cutlery and tool etcher · cylinder grinder - metal machining · cylinder honer - metal machining · drill press operator - metal machining · drilling and milling machine operator - metal machining · electrical discharge machine (EDM) tender · electrochemical machining tool operator · electrolytic etcher - metal machining · engine lathe set-up operator · firearms etcher · file cutter - metal machining · file maker - metal machining · gear-cutting machine set-up operator · gear grinder · gear-milling machine operator · precision grinder operator - metal machining · hand lapper - metal machining · honing machine operator - metal machining · horizontal boring and milling machine set-up operator
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $17.50 | $25.00 | $33.08 |
| Nova Scotia | $21.52 | $26.76 | $33.66 |
| New Brunswick | $23.21 | $26.70 | $33.47 |
| Quebec | $20.61 | $25.26 | $33.53 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $24.00 | $34.50 |
| Manitoba | $17.50 | $25.00 | $28.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $22.16 | $26.30 | $30.29 |
| Alberta | $22.00 | $30.00 | $40.87 |
| British Columbia | $22.00 | $26.40 | $31.75 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.