The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks machinists under SOC code 51-4041. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is $58,750 ( $28.24/hr ), with 287,050 workers employed nationwide.

Key Takeaways

- Median pay: $58,750 per year ($28.24/hr)
- Top 10% earn: more than $80,010 per year ($38.47/hr)
- Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $39,200 per year ($18.85/hr)
- Annual job openings: ~29,500 per year through 2034
- Workers employed nationwide: 287,050
- Highest-paying state: Hawaii (median $84,410)
- State with most workers: Texas (21,700 employed)

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034. Last reviewed July 24, 2026. Quick answer: Training as a CNC machinist usually takes 6 months to 2 years . You complete a certificate or associate degree in precision machining (or a paid apprenticeship), build hands-on shop experience, and can earn an optional, widely recognized NIMS certification . Costs vary by program and school, and no license is required to start in most shops. The median machinist salary is $58,750 per year ($28.24/hour), and employers post about 29,500 openings nationwide each year (BLS, May 2025).

CNC machinists run computer-controlled mills, lathes, and grinders that cut raw metal and plastic into precise finished parts. They read blueprints, set up and calibrate machines, and inspect their work against tight tolerances. If you like hands-on problem solving and seeing real results from your work, this trade is a direct path into advanced manufacturing without a four-year degree.

How to Become a CNC Machinist

Most people enter the trade in about six months to two years , depending on the path they choose. There is no single license to pass. You build the career through training, hands-on shop experience, and optional certification.

- Earn a high school diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is the baseline for nearly every machining program and most entry-level shop jobs. The math you use on the job is practical, not abstract: fractions, decimals, basic trigonometry, and unit conversions all come up when you set offsets, read a print, or calculate feeds and speeds. Algebra and geometry are the most useful classes to focus on, and any shop, drafting, or CAD course gives you a head start. Comfort with computers matters too, since modern machines run on programmed code and many shops use digital measurement and inspection tools. If you are switching careers and already hold a diploma or another degree, you can move straight to training. Plenty of strong machinists came from unrelated jobs and brought useful habits in organization, attention to detail, and following a process exactly.
- Complete a CNC training program

This is the core credential, and you have a few formats to choose from. Certificate programs are focused and hands-on, while associate degree programs in precision machining or manufacturing technology add more classroom depth and general-education credits. Both teach blueprint and GD&T; reading, shop math, metallurgy basics, machine setup, and G-code programming, often using CAD/CAM software to turn a part drawing into tool paths. The most valuable part is time at the machine: setting up mills and lathes, selecting and loading tooling, dialing in offsets, and inspecting parts with micrometers, calipers, and gauges. Costs vary by program and school, so contact schools directly for current tuition. When comparing programs, ask how much hands-on machine time you get, whether the equipment matches what local shops actually run, and whether the program prepares you for NIMS credentials. Many programs blend online coursework with in-person lab time.

- Gain hands-on shop experience

Coursework prepares you, but employers want proof you can produce accurate parts. The strongest route is an apprenticeship , where you earn a paycheck while learning under experienced machinists; trade associations such as the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) support apprenticeship and workforce programs in the industry. If a formal apprenticeship is not available, an entry-level role as a machine operator or shop helper gets you inside a shop where you can learn setup, tooling, and quality inspection on real jobs. Pay attention to how experienced machinists troubleshoot a bad finish, a worn tool, or an out-of-tolerance dimension, because that judgment is what separates an operator from a skilled machinist. Keep track of the part types, materials, and machines you have run so you can describe them clearly when you apply for better roles.

- Earn NIMS or other industry certifications

Certification is voluntary in most cases, but it gives employers an objective signal of your skills. The most widely recognized credentials come from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) , which offers stackable certifications across areas like measurement and inspection, job planning, turning, milling, and CNC operation. Each NIMS credential pairs a knowledge exam with a hands-on performance test, so passing one shows you can actually make parts to spec, not just answer questions. Many training programs build NIMS testing into the curriculum, and some shops will sponsor or reimburse certification once you are hired. Industry associations such as NTMA and PMPA also support skills standards and training that align with these credentials. Earning a few NIMS certifications early can help you stand out for apprenticeships and higher-paying roles.

- Apply for jobs and advance

Machine shops, aerospace and automotive manufacturers, defense contractors, and medical device makers all hire CNC machinists.



Tailor your resume to the work you want, list the machines and controls you have run, and mention any NIMS credentials. Apprenticeship sponsors, technical school career offices, and trade associations like NTMA and PMPA are good places to hear about openings. Once you are working, the trade rewards people who keep learning: with experience you can move into CNC programming , quality control inspection , tool and die making , or shop supervision and management , each of which can raise your earning potential. Compare training programs near you

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What Does a CNC Machinist Do?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. Machinists use computer-controlled equipment to cut, drill, shape, and finish metal and plastic parts with precision, often holding tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch. The job blends reading and planning with hands-on setup and inspection.

Typical Responsibilities

- Read blueprints, CAD files, and GD&T; specifications
- Set up and calibrate machines like mills, lathes, and grinders
- Load material, select tooling, and monitor production runs
- Inspect parts with micrometers, calipers, and gauges
- Adjust offsets and machine settings for accuracy and safety

Skilled machinists turn code and raw stock into the precise parts that keep cars, aircraft, and equipment running. Skills That Make You Great at This
- Patience and precision, since small mistakes scrap expensive parts
- Comfort with computers, measurement, and shop math
- Problem solving and troubleshooting under deadline pressure
- Mechanical reasoning and an eye for detail
- Focus and pride in craftsmanship

Work Settings for CNC Machinists CNC Machinists Work In Many Environments, Including

- Aerospace and automotive manufacturing
- Defense and industrial equipment shops
- Medical device fabrication
- Metal and plastics production
- Independent precision machine shops

Education and Certification Paths Pathway Typical Duration Outcome Certificate 6 to 18 months Focused, hands-on entry preparation Apprenticeship Varies by sponsor Earn while you learn in a shop Associate Degree About 2 years More advanced, broader credential NIMS Certifications Stackable Verify specific machining skills

Career Growth and Advancement

Projected job growth for machinists Use this chart on your site (free)

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With experience, CNC machinists can move into roles such as:

- CNC Programmer who writes and optimizes tool paths
- Tool and Die Maker building precision tooling and molds
- Quality Control Inspector verifying parts against specifications
- Manufacturing Supervisor who leads a shop floor or team

Cost and Duration of Training
- Program cost: varies by program, format, and school; certificate programs are usually less than degree programs, and apprenticeships pay you while you train
- Time to complete: about six months to two years
- Certification: NIMS credentials are optional and may carry exam fees

Many programs offer online coursework for the classroom portions, but hands-on machine training happens in a shop or lab.

Pros and Cons

Pros

- Hands-on, skilled work with visible results
- Steady demand across many industries
- Clear path into manufacturing without a four-year degree
- Room to advance into programming, inspection, or supervision

Cons
- Long hours on your feet
- Repetitive tasks during long production runs
- Noisy shop environment with safety demands

Quick Facts: CNC Machinist Salary, Education, and Outlook Median Pay $58,750 $28.24/hr Top 10%: $80,010

Job Outlook (2024-2034) 0.0% 29,500 openings/yr

Employment (2025) 287,050

Wage Percentiles 25th $47,570 75th $67,700

Typical Education Certificate or associate degree

On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship or long-term on-the-job

Highest Paying States HawaiiAlaskaDistrict of Columbia

Top Industries Cross-industry

Certification Optional (NIMS)

2025 data | SOC 51-4041 | Source: BLS OEWS

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Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies

These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Industry-standard machining and CNC operator credentials.
- National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) Manufacturing trade association with apprenticeship programs.
- Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) Precision machining trade association and workforce programs.

Wage and Employment Charts Top-paying states for machinists Use this chart on your site (free)

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Workplace Safety Snapshot

BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 177.0 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in machinists (about 1.77 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does CNC machinist training take?

It typically takes 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is a certificate program or an associate degree, and many machinists also learn through paid apprenticeships. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started.

Do you need a college degree to work as a CNC machinist?

No. A college degree is not required to work as a CNC machinist. Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program, or through an apprenticeship. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite.

How much does CNC machinist training cost?

Costs vary by program, format, and school. Certificate programs are usually less expensive than associate degree programs, and apprenticeships let you earn while you learn. Contact schools directly for current tuition before you enroll.

Is certification required to work as a CNC machinist?

Certification is voluntary in most cases rather than legally required. Credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) are widely recognized and can strengthen your resume, but many people start in entry-level shop roles without one.

Is it hard to train as a CNC machinist?

Entry is relatively accessible because no degree is required and most people finish training in 6 months to 2 years. The work itself demands precision, patience, and comfort with blueprints, measurement, and machine setup, so the learning curve continues on the job.

Can you train as a CNC machinist online?

Some coursework, such as blueprint reading, math, and G-code basics, can be completed online. The hands-on machine setup and operation must be learned in a shop or lab, so most programs blend online study with in-person training or a shop placement.

How many CNC machinists work in the United States?

BLS reports approximately 287,050 machinists employed nationwide as of May 2025, with about 29,500 openings projected each year over the 2024 to 2034 period.

How Cnc Machinist Pay Compares to Similar Trades

Side-by-side comparison of CNC Machinist and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings CNC Machinist this guide $58,750 - 29,500 Welding $53,750 +2.2% 45,600 Gunsmith / Firearms Technician $68,990 +2.0% 1,000 Maintenance Technician $49,590 +3.8% 159,800 Mechanic & Engine Technician $50,620 +4.2% 70,000

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers

- Welding
- Gunsmith / Firearms Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Mechanic & Engine Technician
- Mechanic & Engine Technician

Advance Your Career with a Degree Experienced CNC Machinist professionals often step up into degree-track careers where field experience is a hiring advantage:
- Mechanical Engineer - median pay $104,110 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
- Industrial Engineer - median pay $102,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
- Welding Engineer - median pay $112,860 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
- Industrial Production Manager - median pay $126,060 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
- Machinist to industrial engineer - the shop-floor degree path

See all trade careers that require a 4-year degree.

Degree and Program Guides

- Online Industrial Engineering Degrees - the degree route into process and manufacturing engineering

Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)

Cnc Machinist Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025

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State Median annual Top 10% annual Hawaii $84,410 $106,970 Alaska $77,670 $105,540 Washington $66,160 $101,110 District of Columbia $72,900 $98,850 Vermont $62,680 $95,690 Delaware $62,650 $95,660 Massachusetts $67,270 $93,330 Wyoming $63,070 $91,650 New Jersey $63,190 $90,740 New Mexico $59,440 $90,170 California $57,190 $88,280 Nebraska $55,860 $88,130 Oregon $63,820 $86,580 Virginia $61,290 $86,380 Louisiana $61,110 $84,930 Colorado $60,200 $84,510 New York $60,920 $84,440 Missouri $58,710 $84,150 New Hampshire $61,500 $84,080 Texas $59,180 $83,070 Connecticut $62,130 $82,630 Rhode Island $57,760 $82,400 Idaho $58,810 $81,920 Maryland $59,810 $81,880 Montana $60,920 $81,810 Minnesota $61,140 $80,380 Utah $61,280 $80,110 North Dakota $61,820 $80,030 Alabama $55,560 $79,380 Arkansas $51,140 $78,400 Maine $59,160 $78,380 Illinois $58,520 $78,290 Kentucky $58,660 $78,020 Georgia $52,610 $77,420 Nevada $53,050 $77,290 Pennsylvania $57,810 $77,090 Mississippi $55,550 $76,670 Arizona $61,080 $76,610 Ohio $57,940 $76,530 Wisconsin $59,110 $76,280 Florida $57,140 $76,220 South Carolina $57,970 $75,650 North Carolina $55,230 $75,570 Michigan $52,360 $75,330 Kansas $51,220 $74,920 Indiana $57,800 $73,500 West Virginia $47,350 $71,980 Iowa $57,540 $71,160 Oklahoma $51,120 $70,870 Tennessee $49,600 $70,430 South Dakota $50,890 $60,840

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

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