CNC Machinist
Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.
- $58,750
- 6–24 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Milling Machine Operator
Also called: Mill Operator · Bridgeport Operator · Manual Machinist · Planer Operator
What milling machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a milling machine operator do?
Milling and planing machine setters, operators and tenders, metal and plastic, set up, operate or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove or profile metal or plastic work pieces. The median pay is $52,800 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -13.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$52,800$25.39/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-13.2%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs12,400Employment, 2025
What milling machine operators do
Milling machine operators shape parts with rotating cutters. They set up vises and fixtures, pick end mills, set speeds and feeds, mill flats, slots and pockets, drill holes and measure parts.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects decline as CNC mills dominate.
Typical duties
- Set up mills
- Mount vises and fixtures
- Select cutters
- Mill surfaces and slots
- Drill and bore
- Measure parts
- Maintain machines
Work environment and schedule
Operators work in machine shops.
Schedule: Full time, often shifts.
A day in the life
- Review the drawing.
- Tram the head.
- Indicate the vise.
- Square a block.
See a full day in the life of a milling machine operator →
Milling Machine Operator salary
Half of milling machine operators earned more than $52,800 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,840 for the lowest 10% to $81,030 for the top 10%.
Full milling machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a milling machine operator
- Finish high school
- Take machining classes
- Get hired
- Earn NIMS credentials
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a milling machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Mill setup
- Tramming
- Indicating
- Speeds and feeds
- Measurement
People skills
- Precision
- Patience
- Focus
- Problem-solving
All milling machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Core machining skill
- Path to machinist
- No degree needed
- Precision work
Cons
- Declining employment
- Chips and coolant
- Noise
- Standing
Certifications and licenses
- NIMS Milling: Credential.
- Machining certificate: Community college.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Blueprint reading course: Helpful.
Career path
- Operator: Entry.
- Setup Operator: Setups.
- Machinist: Machining.
- Lead Machinist: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Milling Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as square a block on a manual mill and find an edge with an edge finder, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Lathe Operator
Turn metal on a lathe to make shafts, bushings and round parts.
- $50,620
- A few months on the job
Drilling Machine Operator
Set up and run drilling and boring machines to make precise holes in metal parts.
- $49,080
- A few months on the job
Tool and Die Maker
Build the precision dies, molds and tools factories use to make parts.
- $64,050
- 4 years (apprenticeship)
Compare: Milling Machine Operator vs. CNC Machinist · Milling Machine Operator vs. Lathe Operator · Milling Machine Operator vs. Drilling Machine Operator · Milling Machine Operator vs. Tool and Die Maker
Milling Machine Operator FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
Can I move to CNC?
Yes.
How much does a milling machine operator make?
The median annual wage for milling machine operators was $52,800 ($25.39 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,840 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,030.
How long does it take to become a milling machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a milling machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More milling machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4035 (Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.