Amateur machinist. Salary: Five bucks out of Uncle Pete's pocket 

You were watching TV and happened to say the words, "I'm bored" within earshot of Uncle Pete. And now you're working for him in his machine shop, without pay, just to "keep busy." You really should have focused a little more in school.

Machinist apprentice. Salary: $15/hour

This is it. Uncle Pete suggested you become his apprentice in the machine shop, and you didn't have anything else to do after graduating, so why not? Not only will you be learning a trade, but you'll finally be getting paid somewhat decently for all that work you've been doing.

Manual/conventional machinist. Salary: $19/hour 

You're working the night shift at a huge machine shop for an LED manufacturer. It was the only shift available and the pay isn't exactly stellar, but hey, you've got a job in the field and you're learning more every day (er, night). Besides, while working the night shift, you can indulge your love of breakfast for dinner.

CNC prototype machinist/programmer. Salary: $22/hour 

After showing how skilled you were as a manual machinist during your shop's night shift, the floor manager decides you've got what it takes to graduate to CNC machinist. You get some serious training (especially in the new kinds of safety requirements) and you're off and running. Oh, and you get to sleep during the actual night.

Senior machinist. Salary: $24/hour 

This is pretty much as good as it gets for a machinist. You haven't exactly made it big, but your current job as a senior machinist pays well enough that you can save a few bucks, go out to eat once in a while, and put money into your 401k.