How to hire a computer numerical controller machinist

How to hire a computer numerical controller machinist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer numerical controller machinist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer numerical controller machinist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer numerical controller machinist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a computer numerical controller machinist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your computer numerical controller machinist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer numerical controller machinist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer numerical controller machinist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer numerical controller machinists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of computer numerical controller machinists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	$14-26
   Grinder	Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes... Show more	$12-19
   Set-Up Operator	A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Calipers
   • Micrometers
   • Manual Lathes
   • Math
   • G Code
   • Grinders
   • Hand Tools
   • Machine Shop
   • GD
   • Aerospace
   • Machine Tools
   • Mazak
   • Safety Standards
   • G-Code

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Verify dimensions of parts machine using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
   • Verify conformance of finish work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.

   More computer numerical controller machinist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer numerical controller machinist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A computer numerical controller machinist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, computer numerical controller machinists' average salary in south carolina is 28% less than in new mexico.
   • Seniority. Entry-level computer numerical controller machinists 46% less than senior-level computer numerical controller machinists.
   • Certifications. A computer numerical controller machinist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a computer numerical controller machinist's salary.

   Average computer numerical controller machinist salary

   $41,685yearly

   $20.04 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer numerical controller machinist salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average computer numerical controller machinist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$49,139	$24
   2	Massachusetts	$48,692	$23
   3	Connecticut	$45,729	$22
   4	Oregon	$43,727	$21
   5	New York	$43,137	$21
   6	Pennsylvania	$42,926	$21
   7	California	$42,829	$21
   8	Indiana	$41,571	$20
   9	Texas	$41,561	$20
   10	Ohio	$41,520	$20
   11	Alabama	$41,378	$20
   12	Arizona	$40,973	$20
   13	Missouri	$40,953	$20
   14	North Carolina	$40,943	$20
   15	Kentucky	$40,577	$20
   16	Colorado	$40,500	$19
   17	Kansas	$39,356	$19
   18	Wisconsin	$39,054	$19
   19	Illinois	$39,044	$19
   20	Maine	$39,022	$19

   Average computer numerical controller machinist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Amphenol	$66,502	$31.97	12
   2	BWX Technologies	$66,066	$31.76	11
   3	ABB	$66,038	$31.75	3
   4	Meggitt PLC	$65,594	$31.54
   5	Vishay	$65,332	$31.41	3
   6	Quest Global	$65,287	$31.39
   7	Cobham	$64,888	$31.20
   8	Sensata	$63,513	$30.54
   9	General Electric	$62,458	$30.03	135
   10	AMETEK	$62,016	$29.82	20
   11	Empower Media Marketing	$61,959	$29.79
   12	Curtiss-Wright	$61,497	$29.57	32
   13	TMA Solutions	$61,396	$29.52	6
   14	Datamatics	$61,357	$29.50
   15	Graco	$61,203	$29.42
   16	A.W. Chesterton	$61,099	$29.37	1
   17	ITT	$59,920	$28.81	10
   18	VIVA USA	$59,863	$28.78
   19	Fortune Brands Home & Security	$59,855	$28.78	1
   20	Barnes Group	$59,263	$28.49	11

4. Writing a computer numerical controller machinist job description

   A good computer numerical controller machinist job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a computer numerical controller machinist job description:

   Computer numerical controller machinist job description example

   Responsibilities

   Peraton is looking for a CNC machinist to support the Advanced Manufacturing Branch at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The incumbent shall be capable of setting up, programming, and operating conventional and 4-5 axis high-speed CNC equipment, such as Fanuc, Haas, Mazak and/or Mikron machining centers. Must be able to program in Mastercam and utilize Vericut to carry out operations needed to produce complex space flight space flight pieces that meet precise specifications.

   Applies knowledge of working properties of metals (including, but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, and titanium). Interfaces with and supports engineers and technicians in the assembly, integration, and testing of space flight components, hardware, instruments, and spacecraft. Performs non-routine assignments and assists in setting group goals and plans to carry them through. Selects and adapts procedures to current assignments with instructions. Receives technical advice when needed and performs with little supervision. May cross-train and/or support other duties associated within area of assignment as directed by lead personnel or supervision. Must be capable of successfully completing the following training: hazard communication, personal protective equipment, IT security and other required.

   Responsibilities include:

   • Must be able to Setup, program, operate, and demonstrate competency on conventional and 5 axis high-speed CNC equipment, such as Fanuc, Haas, Mazak and/or Mikron machining centers.
   • Must be able to Program in Mastercam and utilize Vericut to carry out operations needed to produce complex prototype pieces that meet precise specifications.
   • Must be able to use precision measuring equipment and has strong knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
   • Must be able to follow procedures, plans, techniques, designs, or layouts.

   Qualifications

   • High School diploma or GED is required.
   • Minimum of 5 years' machining experience required with 2 years MasterCAM programming.
   • Must understand machining processes including feeds and speed, work holding and fixturing.

   Peraton Overview

   Peraton drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted and highly differentiated national security solutions and technologies that keep people safe and secure. Peraton serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies across the intelligence, space, cyber, defense, civilian, health, and state and local markets. Every day, our employees do the can't be done, solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers.

   An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Veteran.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find computer numerical controller machinists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any computer numerical controller machinists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level computer numerical controller machinists with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer numerical controller machinist job on Zippia to find and recruit computer numerical controller machinist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with computer numerical controller machinist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer numerical controller machinist

   Once you've decided on a perfect computer numerical controller machinist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new computer numerical controller machinist. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a computer numerical controller machinist?