Skip to content
SME Logo
/globalassets/sme-masterpage-elements/header/sme-logo-color-100b.png
  • {{result}}
SME SME Blog Posts So You Want to be a CNC Machinist

So You Want to be a CNC Machinist

by SME Communications

Infographic

Machined components are vital to manufacturing today, which makes the role of CNC machinist critical to the industry. CNC machinist is a hands-on career that combines elements of mechanical design, technical drawing, mathematics, and computer programming to produce parts for a variety of industries.

CNC MachinistMost workers who begin their career as a CNC machinist have a high-school diploma or GED, along with a certificate of completion from an accredited trade school program.

Some of the hard and soft skills required to fulfill this role are analytical or critical thinking, technical writing, mathematics, and dexterity skills. Better-than-average additive manufacturing knowledge is a plus. Familiarity with specific computer applications and physical stamina are also among the skills needed.

Entry-level CNC machinists earn an average starting salary of $47,000, and after a few years of experience can make $55,000. Machinists who are more mature in their careers can average about $64,000 annually (note: these figures vary by region). Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for more detailed information about your area. According to the BLS, there are 44,000 job openings each year in the U.S. 

CNC machinists are in high demand across various manufacturing sectors, such as electronics, optics, commercial goods, medical devices, and aerospace. The CNC industry is poised for substantial growth in the upcoming years due to the pivotal role CNC machining operations play in enhancing efficiency and profitability for manufacturers.

For more information about what CNC machinists do in their profession, visit Tooling U-SME. this link for more information about SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate Certification. Candidates may pursue the SME Certification on their own, work with their local training provider, or access Tooling U-SME resources to prepare for the exam. Once you’re ready, visit SME Jobs Connection to search for job openings in your industry.

Footnote: Information from the article is attributed to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Machinists.