Machine Tool Technology

Master the Art of Machine Tools and Open Doors to In-Demand Careers

Machine Tool student in lab

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

$6,151 – 12,122

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Machine Tool student working on CNC Machine

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

2

YEARS

AAS

Degree Requirements

Cost: $12,122

Machine Tool Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate

2

YEARS

ITC

Machine Tool Technology – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Machinist in Machine Tool lab

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)*

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*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 > about Finding His True Calling through College of Western Idaho
Wade Kindberg
Student, Machine Tool Technology
“I remember the first day I entered the lab and saw all the of the different machines. I was definitely overwhelmed. I wondered how I was going to learn any of these machines, let alone retain what I learn. With the guidance and patience of two of the best Instructors and overall genuine good people, I accomplished my goal.”
Joshua Tyler
Student, Machine Tool Technology
“The Machine Tool Technology program gave me a lot of skills I will carry my entire life and memories I will never forget. They have professional staff and a premier CNC machining school. The program gave me the opportunity to meet excellent teachers, build networks, and learn the latest in machining technology. ”
Josh McDeavitt
Student, Machine Tool Technology

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.

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

Clubs

Graphic of tool with purple and gold flare like symbol
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.

News

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 Program

The 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 Foundation

In 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 Idaho

New scholarship honors late CWI Machine Tool Technology graduate, Nathaniel Stewart Dando.

Read more about Dando 300 Scholarship Honors Late CWI Student

The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

Read more about Nagel Foundation Continues Commitment to Students

Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.

Read more about Education Sparks Future

Biology 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 Project

Annual 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 Success

After 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 CWI

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition

Meridian-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 CWI
View all news

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