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What is a computer numerical controller machine setter and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a computer numerical controller machine setter. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.29 an hour? That's $42,206 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreComputer Numerical Controller Machine SetterUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,206

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.9

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 10.88%

Black or African American 10.26%

Hispanic or Latino 17.62%

Unknown 4.09%

White 56.38%

Gender

female 7.28%

male 92.72%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Computer numerical controller machine setter career paths

Key steps to become a computer numerical controller machine setter

  1. Explore computer numerical controller machine setter education requirements

    Most common computer numerical controller machine setter degrees

    High School Diploma

    41.3 %

    Associate

    20.1 %

    Bachelor's

    16.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific computer numerical controller machine setter skills

    SkillsPercentages
    G Code11.16%
    CNC Mill10.87%
    Quality Checks9.97%
    Calipers7.29%
    Micrometers6.78%
  3. Complete relevant computer numerical controller machine setter training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer numerical controller machine setters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer numerical controller machine setter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer numerical controller machine setter resumes.
  4. Research computer numerical controller machine setter duties and responsibilities

    • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
    • Inspect parts coming off CNC machines for part conformity using drawings, micrometers, gauges and airflow tester set-up.
    • Used micrometers and measuring tools to inspect parts.
    • Measure parts with calipers and micrometer to make sure parts up to specs.
  5. Prepare your computer numerical controller machine setter resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer numerical controller machine setter resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer numerical controller machine setter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable computer numerical controller machine setter resume templates

    Build a professional computer numerical controller machine setter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer numerical controller machine setter resume.
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
    Computer Numerical Controller Machine Setter Resume
  6. Apply for computer numerical controller machine setter jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a computer numerical controller machine setter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first computer numerical controller machine setter job

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Average computer numerical controller machine setter salary

The average computer numerical controller machine setter salary in the United States is $42,206 per year or $20 per hour. Computer numerical controller machine setter salaries range between $32,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average computer numerical controller machine setter salary
$42,206 Yearly
$20.29 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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