| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
Program Overview
Machine Tool Technology: Machinist at Cerritos College
Certificate of Achievement
The Machinist Certificate of Achievement provides students with basic and advanced training in manual or conventional machining, computer numerical programming and operation. These training form the fundamental skills necessary for the average and expected workload in the machining industry. Enrolled students are strongly positioned for employment opportunities with manufacturing companies in the machining industry throughout the course of the Program. Typical job titles can include but not limited to Machine Operators or Machinist.
Salary, Growth and Careers
Salary
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $37,000 to $91,000 with an average salary of $52,000.
Growth
Career opportunities for this program are expected to shrink nationwide from 2022 to 2032.
Careers
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -8.5%
- Average Salary: $51k
- Salary Range: $38k - $59k
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -8.1%
- Average Salary: $53k
- Salary Range: $42k - $61k
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
- Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job Growth: +16%
- Average Salary: $79k
- Salary Range: $63k - $91k
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -10.9%
- Average Salary: $47k
- Salary Range: $39k - $51k
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -18.3%
- Average Salary: $51k
- Salary Range: $39k - $61k
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -1.9%
- Average Salary: $45k
- Salary Range: $37k - $48k
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -14.6%
- Average Salary: $53k
- Salary Range: $39k - $62k
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -9.5%
- Average Salary: $45k
- Salary Range: $37k - $48k
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -9.1%
- Average Salary: $50k
- Salary Range: $39k - $58k
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -9.4%
- Average Salary: $51k
- Salary Range: $40k - $57k
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -10.2%
- Average Salary: $67k
- Salary Range: $57k - $79k
- Machinists
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: +1.9%
- Average Salary: $60k
- Salary Range: $45k - $71k
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -7.8%
- Average Salary: $45k
- Salary Range: $37k - $47k
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -13.9%
- Average Salary: $56k
- Salary Range: $43k - $69k
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: +0.6%
- Average Salary: $44k
- Salary Range: $37k - $46k
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -11%
- Average Salary: $50k
- Salary Range: $40k - $58k
Program Map
Machine Tool Technology: Machinist
Certificate of Achievement
18.5 Units
- Fall 2024, 1st Term
- MTT 100: Machine Tool Introduction (2.0 Units)
- MTT 130: Quality Practices and Measurement (2.0 Units)
- MTT 140: Industrial and Machine Tool Safety (1.0 Units)
- MTT 157: Setup and Operation of CNC Lathes (2.5 Units)
- Spring 2025, 2nd Term
- MTT 131: Geometric Tolerance Inspection using Verisurf (3.0 Units)
- MTT 151: MasterCAM Introduction (3.5 Units)
- MTT 152: Setup and Operation of CNC Milling Machines (2.5 Units)
- MTT 194L: Manual Machining Lab (1.0 Units)
- Summer 2025, 3rd Term
- MTT 191L: CNC Mill Machining Laboratory (1.0 Units)
Program Outline
This equips students with the necessary skills to handle the workload expected in the machining industry.
Program Structure:
The program is structured to provide a strong foundation in machining fundamentals, followed by advanced topics in CNC programming and operation. Students will gain hands-on experience in labs and workshops, learning to operate various types of machining equipment.
Course Schedule:
The program is offered over three terms, with each term focusing on specific areas of machining.
- MTT 57: Setup and Operation of CNC Lathes: This module provides hands-on training in setting up and operating CNC lathes.
- MTT 100: Machine Tool Introduction: This module introduces students to the basic principles of machining and the different types of machine tools.
- MTT 52: Setup and Operation of CNC Milling Machines: This module provides hands-on training in setting up and operating CNC milling machines.
- MTT 94L: Manual Machining Lab: This module provides hands-on experience in manual machining operations, such as drilling, turning, and milling.
Careers:
Careers:
Machinists are in high demand in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and medical. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- CNC Machinist: Set up and operate CNC machines to produce complex parts.
- Tool and Die Maker: Design and build tools and dies used in the manufacturing process.
- Programmers: Develop and write CNC programs for machining operations.
- Quality Control Inspector: Inspect machined parts to ensure they meet quality standards.
