Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career

CNC Machinist

Also called: Machinist · CNC Operator · CNC Programmer · Tool and Die Machinist

What CNC machinists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a CNC machinist do?

CNC machinists set up and operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) mills, lathes and other machine tools to produce precision parts from metal and plastic, measuring their work to tight tolerances. The median pay is $58,750 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–24 months, and employment is projected to grow +1.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $58,750
    $28.24/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +1.0%
    2025–35, slower than average
  • Openings per year
    26,100
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6–24 months
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    288,300
    Employment, 2025

What CNC machinists do

Machinists turn drawings into precision parts for aerospace, medical devices, automotive and countless other products. They read blueprints and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), select tools, set work and tool offsets, run and adjust programs, and measure parts with micrometers, calipers and gauges.

Many machinists learn through technical programs, apprenticeships or on-the-job training, often starting as CNC operators. Machinists who learn CAD/CAM programming and complex setups earn more and are hard to replace.

Typical duties

  • Read blueprints, GD&T and setup sheets
  • Set up CNC mills and lathes, including fixtures, tools and offsets
  • Load programs and run machines
  • Measure parts with precision instruments and adjust offsets
  • Perform first-article and in-process inspections
  • Edit G-code or program parts with CAM software
  • Maintain machines, coolant and tooling

Work environment and schedule

Machinists work in machine shops and factories. Shops can be noisy, and work involves standing, lifting parts and working near rotating equipment and metal chips.

Schedule: Usually full-time; many shops run multiple shifts, and overtime is common.

A day in the life

  1. Review the job traveler and setup sheet for an aluminum bracket order.
  2. Mount the vise, load tools and set tool length offsets.
  3. Set the work offset with an edge finder or probe and dry-run the program.
  4. Run the first part and complete first-article inspection with calipers, micrometers and a height gauge.

See a full day in the life of a CNC machinist →

CNC Machinist salary

Half of CNC machinists earned more than $58,750 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $39,200 for the lowest 10% to $80,010 for the top 10%.

Full CNC machinist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a CNC machinist

  1. Build math and blueprint skills
  2. Train in machining
  3. Start as a CNC operator
  4. Move into setup
  5. Advance to programming

A high school diploma is typical. Many machinists complete a certificate or associate program in machining technology, while others train through apprenticeships or on the job.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a CNC machinist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Blueprint reading and GD&T
  • CNC setup and operation
  • Precision measurement
  • G-code basics
  • CAM programming

People skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Patience
  • Problem-solving
  • Math skills

All CNC machinist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Precise, satisfying work making real products
  • Paths into programming and engineering roles
  • Training through apprenticeships and on the job
  • Skills valued in aerospace, medical and defense manufacturing

Cons

  • Standing and repetitive tasks
  • Exposure to noise, coolant and chips
  • Pressure to meet tolerances and schedules
  • Some shops require nights or weekends

Certifications and licenses

  • NIMS credentials: Industry-recognized machining credentials for operations and setup.
  • Machinist apprenticeship completion: Registered apprenticeship journeyworker certificate.
  • CAM software certifications: Such as Mastercam or Autodesk Fusion.
  • OSHA 10 General Industry: Workplace safety training.

Career path

  1. CNC Operator: Load parts, run machines and measure.
  2. Setup Machinist: Set up jobs and solve process problems.
  3. CNC Programmer: Create programs with CAM software.
  4. Lead Machinist, Manufacturing Engineer or Shop Manager: Lead production or engineering.

Learn the job before day one

Our CNC Machinist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set a work offset on a CNC mill and measure a part with an outside micrometer, safety and how to land your first job.

View CNC Machinist trainingIs this career right for me?

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CNC Machinist FAQ

Do CNC machinists need to know programming?

Operators can start without programming, but setup machinists and programmers need G-code and CAM skills, which raise pay.

How long does it take to become a CNC machinist?

Technical programs take about six months to two years; apprenticeships can take up to four years.

Is machining a good career?

It offers steady demand in advanced manufacturing, and skilled setup machinists and programmers are hard for employers to find.

How much does a CNC machinist make?

The median annual wage for CNC machinists was $58,750 ($28.24 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,200 and the highest 10% earned more than $80,010.

How long does it take to become a CNC machinist?

Most people need about 6–24 months of training. A high school diploma is typical. Many machinists complete a certificate or associate program in machining technology, while others train through apprenticeships or on the job.

Do you need a degree to be a CNC machinist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.

More CNC machinist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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