Juniors from area high schools experienced hands-on instruction and explored career paths during the CWI Summer CTE Bridge Program.
Read more about High School Juniors Cross Off Skills at CWI Summer CTE Bridge ProgramMachine 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.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Basic Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
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.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Machine Tool Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Cost: $12,122
Machine Tool Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost: $9,927
Machine Tool Technology – Basic Technical Certificate
Cost: $6,151
Career Opportunities
Machinists
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.
204
Annual Openings*
$22.30
Hourly Median Wage*
$46,384
Annual Median Salary
13.9%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
92
Annual Openings*
$19.36
Hourly Median Wage*
$40,269
Annual Median Salary
64.39%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
52
Annual Openings*
$18.55
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,584
Annual Median Salary
27.99%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
31
Annual Openings*
$17.24
Hourly Median Wage*
$35,859
Annual Median Salary
78.06%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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.
31
Annual Openings*
$16.61
Hourly Median Wage*
$34,549
Annual Median Salary
1.58%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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.
9
Annual Openings*
$23.63
Hourly Median Wage*
$49,150
Annual Median Salary
82.44%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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.
8
Annual Openings*
$15.57
Hourly Median Wage*
$32,386
Annual Median Salary
-25.98%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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.
6
Annual Openings*
$18.94
Hourly Median Wage*
$39,395
Annual Median Salary
-19.12%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.
6
Annual Openings*
$19.45
Hourly Median Wage*
$40,456
Annual Median Salary
108.74%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
5
Annual Openings*
$20.13
Hourly Median Wage*
$41,870
Annual Median Salary
74.77%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
2
Annual Openings*
$18.37
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,210
Annual Median Salary
-22.05%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
N/A
Annual Openings*
$20.70
Hourly Median Wage*
$43,056
Annual Median Salary
N/A
Growth (2021 - 2031)*
*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.
Testimonial Carousel
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Machine Tool Technology as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
STEP 3
- Attend a Machine Tool Technology Program Exploration event prior to registering for classes. Contact mikewheeler@cwi.edu for future event details.
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.
Clubs
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.
News
After a $224,000 donation on April 8, The Nagel Foundation has now invested over $1M to support successful student outcomes at CWI.
Read more about Nagel Foundation Scholarship Fund Tops $1M in Donations After 6 Years Supporting CWI StudentsThe College of Western Idaho Foundation recently received an $18,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation that will support the College’s Machine Tool Technology Program.
Read more about Machine Tool Technology Receives 18K from Gene Haas FoundationIn his fourth year at College of Western Idaho, Machine Tool Technology student, Wade Kindberg, continues to learn new skills and trades for a future career.
Read more about Finding His True Calling through College of Western IdahoNew scholarship honors late CWI Machine Tool Technology graduate, Nathaniel Stewart Dando.
Read more about Dando 300 Scholarship Honors Late CWI StudentThe Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.
Read more about Nagel Foundation Continues Commitment to StudentsCongratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.
Read more about Education Sparks FutureBiology instructor, Dusty Perkins, Biology Club, and Machine Tool Technology Program to host a native bee habitat building during Connections Project.
Read more about Connections Project to Feature Native Bee Habitat ProjectAnnual STEM Out! event introduces students to STEM careers through hands-on workshops presented by CWI faculty and students.
Read more about STEM Out! Event a SuccessAfter spending years in the armed forces, many veterans attend college seeking degrees to help them discover the next chapter in their lives. A number of these veterans choose the College of Western...
Read more about Veteran Finds Warm Welcome at CWICWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.
Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State CompetitionMeridian-based Micro 100 Tool Corporation recently donated more than $16,000 worth of brand new tooling items to CWI's Machine Tool Technology program.
Read more about Gift Makes Measurable Difference at CWIRequest More Information
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