Gear machinist
Also known as: electrical gear machinist, auto machinist, mechanical gear machinist, mechatronic gear machinist, mechatronic gearing machinist, automotive gear machinist
About this occupation
Gear machinists make precision parts for gears and other driving elements. They use a variety of machine tools.
Essential skills and knowledge
- mechanics
- set up the controller of a machine
- types of metal
- consult technical resources
- supply machine
- perform test run
- supply machine with appropriate tools
- secure working area
- troubleshoot
- remove processed workpiece
- monitor automated machines
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Machinists (O*NET 51-4041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, Speaking
US median pay: US$58,750 a year (2025), 287,050 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.5)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
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- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
- Millwrights
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.