Machine Tool Technology
Machine Tool Technology
Master the Art of Machine Tools and Open Doors to In-Demand Careers
Program Overview
Are you intrigued by precision manufacturing and keen to work with state-of-the-art equipment? The Machine Tool Technology program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your gateway to a career in this high-demand industry. Whether you aim for a Basic Technical Certificate, Intermediate Technical Certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science degree, this program equips you with the skills needed for machine tool operation.
Learn to expertly handle engine lathes, milling machines, grinders, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Delve into the materials and processes used by the metals manufacturing industry. The program combines classroom instruction with practical experience, ensuring you are well versed in precision measurements and test equipment. You will also solve real-world problems and build connections with leading local employers, setting the stage for a successful career in a variety of industries.
Major Exploration
Are you ready to shape the world with precision and skill? Join us to explore the Machine Tool Technology program at CWI and discover how you can turn your passion for machining into a rewarding career.
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-On Equipment Training: Master the use of essential machine tools in a real-world setting.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Develop expertise in various materials and manufacturing processes.
- Problem-Solving Experience: Tackle practical challenges, enhancing your readiness for the workplace.
- Career Networking: Build valuable industry connections with local manufacturing and machine shops.
- Diverse Career Paths: Prepare for opportunities across a range of industries that value precision manufacturing skills.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Machine Tool Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Cost:
$13,193
Machine Tool Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost:
$10,743
Machine Tool Technology – Basic Technical Certificate
Cost:
$6,409
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Career Opportunities
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
28
Annual Openings*
$
24.12
Hourly Median Wage*
$
50,169
Annual Median Salary
11.17
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
7
Annual Openings*
$
20.84
Hourly Median Wage*
$
43,347
Annual Median Salary
11.3
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
4
Annual Openings*
$
19.94
Hourly Median Wage*
$
41,475
Annual Median Salary
16.82
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
3
Annual Openings*
$
18.39
Hourly Median Wage*
$
38,251
Annual Median Salary
6.54
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
2
Annual Openings*
$
18.93
Hourly Median Wage*
$
39,374
Annual Median Salary
10.47
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
1
Annual Openings*
$
30.45
Hourly Median Wage*
$
63,336
Annual Median Salary
1.35
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
$
20.33
Hourly Median Wage*
$
42,286
Annual Median Salary
Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.
$
20.89
Hourly Median Wage*
$
43,451
Annual Median Salary
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
$
19.26
Hourly Median Wage*
$
40,060
Annual Median Salary
Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
$
20.39
Hourly Median Wage*
$
42,411
Annual Median Salary
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
$
20.42
Hourly Median Wage*
$
42,473
Annual Median Salary
Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
$
23.13
Hourly Median Wage*
$
48,110
Annual Median Salary
All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.
$
17.92
Hourly Median Wage*
$
37,273
Annual Median Salary
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
"This education will help me reach my dreams of being able to produce the tools and parts of my own and others’ designs for creations to help others and businesses. For me, this education is very important as it increases my ability to manufacture with materials at hand." Read More >
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Machine Tool Technology as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Related Programs
Welding & Metals Fabrication
Harness the Power of Heat and Metal to Forge a Path to In-Demand Careers
Clubs
SkillsUSA
College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.
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