Fitter & Turner
Machine, fit and assemble precision metal components used in industrial machinery, manufacturing and mechanical equipment.
What They Do
Fitters & Turners manufacture, assemble, install and repair precision mechanical components used in machinery and industrial equipment.
They interpret engineering drawings, measure components to very fine tolerances and use machinery such as lathes, milling machines, grinders and drilling equipment to shape metal parts.
They also fit components together, diagnose mechanical faults, maintain machinery and replace worn parts. JSA specifically identifies precision machining, fitting fabricated parts, measuring clearances and maintaining mechanical equipment among the occupation’s core tasks.
Who This Career Suits
This career suits people who enjoy mechanical work, precision and figuring out how machinery works.
It requires patience and strong attention to detail because even very small measurement errors can prevent a component from fitting or operating correctly.
It can particularly suit someone who likes hands-on trades but also enjoys mathematics, technical drawings and machine technology.
Key Skills
Mechanical Skills, Precision Measurement, Technical Skills, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Machining, Safety Awareness, Practical Skills
Work Environment
Workshop, Manufacturing, Industrial, Physical, Team-Based
Education & Training
The current national trade qualification is the MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade.
The qualification is specifically designed for mechanical engineering tradespeople and must generally be completed through a formal training contract/apprenticeship or recognised trade-assessment pathway. It covers fitting, assembly, manufacturing, installation, fault finding, maintenance and machine-tool work.
Training can include:
lathe operations, milling, grinding, precision measurement, mechanical assembly, equipment maintenance and interpreting engineering drawings.
Career Changer Pathway
Fitting and turning can suit people moving from manufacturing, automotive, maintenance, fabrication, mining or other mechanical trades.
Someone without an existing trade qualification would normally enter through an apprenticeship.
People with significant relevant mechanical experience may potentially pursue formal trade-recognition pathways depending on their circumstances.
Early Career
Apprentices learn workshop safety, machining, measurement, fitting and mechanical maintenance while working under qualified tradespeople.
Newly qualified Fitters & Turners gradually take responsibility for producing components and diagnosing machinery faults independently.
Mid Career
Experienced tradespeople work on more complex machinery, tighter tolerances and specialised maintenance.
They may specialise in:
precision machining, CNC machining, industrial maintenance, plant equipment, mining machinery or heavy manufacturing.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced Fitters & Turners can progress into Leading Hand, Maintenance Supervisor, Workshop Supervisor or Maintenance Planner roles.
Others move into CNC programming, specialist machining, reliability maintenance, technical training or establish their own engineering workshops.
The trade also provides transferable skills into clean energy, heavy industry, mining and advanced manufacturing.
Salary Guide
Early Career
80000
Mid Career
110000
Senior / Veteran
145000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
8 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Fitter and Turner was identified as a national shortage occupation in JSA’s 2024 shortage analysis, alongside related trades such as Fitter (General), Fitter-Welder and Metal Machinist.
Australia continues to experience shortages across many Skill Level 3 trades, and fitting skills remain relevant across manufacturing, mining, machinery maintenance and emerging clean-energy industries.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
Where do I go from here?
Explore Training
Find courses, qualifications and training pathways for this career.
Explore Jobs
See current opportunities and understand what employers are looking for.
Similar Careers
Discover other careers that use similar skills and interests.