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Manual Machinist at Rizonet Consulting

Rizonet Consulting Waco, TX $22/hour

Job Description

Position Summary
This role is for an experienced Manual Machinist responsible for operating manual machine tools, including lathes and vertical turret lathes (VTLs), to produce, repair, and modify precision metal parts. The machinist will interpret blueprints, set up machines, and ensure work is completed accurately and efficiently to meet production requirements. To be successful in this role, the machinist needs to be self-sufficient. We will provide the blueprint and the raw material. Our expectation is to get a machined part without much help provided.

Main Duties & Responsibilities
• Operate manual lathes, mills, and VTLs to machine parts according to specifications
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work orders to set up and complete jobs
• Perform repair and modification work on worn or damaged components
• Set up machines, select tooling, and monitor quality throughout the machining process
• Ensure jobs are completed on time while maintaining accuracy and safety standards

Key Skills
• Proficiency in manual machining and lathe/VTL operation
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
• Knowledge of machine setup, tooling, and repair techniques

Education & Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school training preferred
• Prior experience as a manual machinist in a job shop or repair environment
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Must provide and maintain own set of precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)

Location
Position is based 40 miles east of Waco; candidates must be able to commute or relocate as needed.

Compensation
$22 per hour, based on experience and skill level

$46k is below typical pay for Machinists nationally

National salary averages
$46k
↓ 19% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$38k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $79k

You may have room to negotiate or find better offers elsewhere.

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
High fragility

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers. Your leverage may be less durable than it appears—move decisively.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

0%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024