Do machinists make good money?

Yes, machinists make good money. They average $46,120 per year, with the top 25% earning $55,910 or more. Considering no formal degree is required, a machinist can make a decent living. The range in what a machinist can make is impacted by factors such as location and number of years of experience.

How long does it take to become a CNC programmer?

It typically takes around five years to become a CNC programmer. On average, it takes most individuals a combined total of four to five years of education from a university or training program and some entry-level experience gained on the job.

Is being a CNC machinist worth it?

Yes, being a CNC machinist is worth pursuing. This position is in demand and typically makes a median salary of $42,000 per year. Additionally, this position is possible without a degree, making it a profitable career to pursue for those who are not interested in further education.

What does a CNC operator do?

CNC machinists work with CNC machinery to create tools and parts from metal, plastic, and other materials. Some specialize in a specific type of machinery, such as milling machines, while others work with various machines.

What does a computer numerical control machinist make?

A computer numerical control machinist (more commonly referred to as CNC machinists) typically makes a median salary of $42,000 per year. This means half of CNC machinists earned more and half earned less. It is important to remember that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, and education.

How To Become A Computer Numerical Controller Machinist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer numerical controller machinist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

A computer numerical controller machinist uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to program and operate machines that produce precision parts used in manufacturing. They work with lathes, mills, grinders, and other equipment to shape and finish products based on schematics. CNC machinists must have strong math skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of materials and tooling. They also need to be able to troubleshoot and make adjustments to machinery as needed.

ScoreComputer Numerical Controller MachinistUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $41,685

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.8

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 6.37%

Black or African American 4.03%

Hispanic or Latino 15.09%

Unknown 3.73%

White 70.26%

Gender

female 6.43%

male 93.57%

Age - 49

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 - 49

Stress level

5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a computer numerical controller machinist?

Pros

High demand for skilled CNC machinists
Good earning potential
Opportunities for advancement and specialization
Potential for job stability and security
Opportunity to work independently or as part of a team

Cons

Risk of injury from sharp tools and heavy machinery
Strict adherence to safety protocols is required at all times
May require working long hours or on weekends or holidays
Limited opportunities for creativity or deviation from design plans
May require working with hazardous materials or chemicals

Key steps to become a computer numerical controller machinist

Explore computer numerical controller machinist education requirements

Most common computer numerical controller machinist degrees

High School Diploma

38.6 %

Associate

27.9 %

Bachelor's

13.7 %

Start to develop specific computer numerical controller machinist skills

Skills	Percentages
Calipers	7.24%
Micrometers	6.81%
Manual Lathes	5.98%
Math	5.31%
G Code	4.25%

Complete relevant computer numerical controller machinist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer numerical controller machinists 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 machinist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer numerical controller machinist resumes.

Gain additional computer numerical controller machinist certifications

Computer numerical controller machinist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific computer numerical controller machinist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for computer numerical controller machinists include Master Engine Machinist and Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE).

More About Certifications

Research computer numerical controller machinist duties and responsibilities

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using instruments such as micrometers and calipers.
Set up and operate OKUMA CNC lathe and MAZAK CNC lathe to machine various high pressure cylinders.
Have had experience and handle deburr and clipping work on the 446 and lit operations on the drill press of 413.
Fulfill calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.

Prepare your computer numerical controller machinist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer numerical controller machinist 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 machinist 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 machinist resume templates

Build a professional computer numerical controller machinist 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 machinist resume.

Apply for computer numerical controller machinist jobs

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

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

Average computer numerical controller machinist salary

The average computer numerical controller machinist salary in the United States is $41,685 per year or $20 per hour. Computer numerical controller machinist salaries range between $30,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average computer numerical controller machinist salary

$41,685 Yearly

$20.04 hourly

How do computer numerical controller machinists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Computer numerical controller machinist reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Cons

Some places are straight production shops and there will be limited opportunities to grow in them. When you make a mistake it can be huge and cost 10s of thousands of dollars to fix so you are often on edge.

Pros

Constant Challenge making each day unique and fun. Not hard physical labor but mentally challenging. Constantly evolving skillset in an industry that is always changing and growing.

What is a computer numerical controller machinist and how to become one

What are the pros and cons of being a computer numerical controller machinist?

Computer numerical controller machinist career paths

Key steps to become a computer numerical controller machinist

Explore computer numerical controller machinist education requirements

Most common computer numerical controller machinist degrees

Start to develop specific computer numerical controller machinist skills

Complete relevant computer numerical controller machinist training and internships

Gain additional computer numerical controller machinist certifications

Research computer numerical controller machinist duties and responsibilities

Prepare your computer numerical controller machinist resume

Choose from 10+ customizable computer numerical controller machinist resume templates

Apply for computer numerical controller machinist jobs

How did you land your first computer numerical controller machinist job

Average computer numerical controller machinist salary

How do computer numerical controller machinists rate their job?

Computer numerical controller machinist reviews

Computer numerical controller machinist FAQs

Do machinists make good money?

How long does it take to become a CNC programmer?

Is being a CNC machinist worth it?

What does a CNC operator do?

What does a computer numerical control machinist make?

Search for computer numerical controller machinist jobs

Computer numerical controller machinist jobs by state