Unveiling the CNC Machinist Salary

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of CNC machinist Salary, the skilled professionals who operate computer-controlled machines to create precision parts from metal or plastic ². We’ll explore the key responsibilities of CNC machinists, including setting up machines, writing and testing programs, making adjustments, and using precision measuring instruments to ensure completed parts meet specifications ¹.

Throughout this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors influencing CNC machinist salary, compare average salary ranges across the U.S., and discuss career advancement opportunities and salary growth potential within this field ¹ ³. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect in terms of CNC machinist salary and what it takes to succeed in this rewarding career ³.

Factors Influencing CNC Machinist Salary

Several factors influence the salary of a CNC machinist, including:

Experience: Entry-level positions typically earn between $40,000 and $50,000, mid-level machinists earn between $50,000 and $70,000, and senior-level machinists can earn over $70,000 ⁴. Higher-end workers and programmers tend to earn better money in the CNC machining field ⁷.
Skill Level and Certifications: Advanced skills, such as programming and operating complex CNC machines, lead to higher salaries ⁴. Holding relevant certifications and completing specialized training programs can also lead to higher earning potential ⁴ ⁵ ⁸.
Industry and Company Size: The specific sector within aviation and the size of the company can affect salary ranges. For example, machinists in defense or aerospace industries may earn higher wages compared to those in general aviation ⁴ ⁶. Larger companies may offer higher compensation due to their resources, while smaller businesses may provide other benefits to attract and retain skilled CNC machinists ⁵.
Geographical Location: Salaries can vary based on the cost of living and demand for CNC machinists in different regions ³ ⁴ ⁶. Industrialized areas often offer more opportunities and higher demand for CNC machinists ⁶.
Education: Post-secondary training in the manufacturing industry or in operating CNC machines can lead to a higher starting salary ⁶ ⁸. To advance in the field, it is recommended to go to college or get into a union job ⁷.
Complexity of Projects: The complexity of tasks assigned to CNC machinists, including precision requirements and tolerance levels, should be accounted for in determining fair compensation ⁵.
Market Demand and Supply: The scarcity of skilled CNC machinists and market demand for their expertise can drive up fair pay ³ ⁵.

Average Salary Ranges Across the U.S.

The average salary for a CNC machinist in the United States is $49,183, with the top 50 highest paying states offering salaries above this national average ⁹. The states with the highest paying CNC machinist jobs include Oregon, Alaska, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, South Dakota, Colorado, and Rhode Island, with Oregon offering the highest salary at $7,578 (15.4%) above the national average ⁹. The data used for these estimates is derived from both employer job postings and third-party sources ⁹.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States was $46,760 in May 2022 ¹⁴. The top 10 highest paying states for CNC Machinists are ¹⁴:

Washington: $56,180
Vermont: $49,200
Massachusetts: $48,850
Connecticut: $48,530
South Carolina: $48,340
Minnesota: $48,240
Wisconsin: $48,100
Maryland: $48,090
New Hampshire: $48,020
New Jersey: $48,020

The average hourly pay for a CNC Machinist in the United States is $23.65, with wages ranging from $14.18 to $33.17 per hour ¹². The majority of CNC Machinist wages range between $19.71 (25th percentile) and $26.92 (75th percentile) across the United States ¹². The top 10 highest paying cities for CNC Machinists are ¹²:

City	Average Salary
Berkeley, CA	$33.17
Milton, VT	$32.50
Renton, WA	$31.97
Woodinville, WA	$31.25
Scotts Valley, CA	$30.77
Newark, CA	$30.53
Santa Monica, CA	$30.29
Daly City, CA	$30.05
Woburn, MA	$29.81
Boston, MA	$29.57

The average salary for the top 10 cities for CNC Machinists varies by 6% between Berkeley, CA and Boston, MA ¹². Entry-level CNC machinists in aviation earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, mid-level CNC machinists earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, and senior-level CNC machinists earn over $70,000 per year ⁴. The median annual salary for machinists is $43,200, above the national median, with the top 10% of machinists earning over $62,500 ¹⁹ ²⁰.

Comparison with Related Jobs

CNC machinists can specialize in various roles, such as CNC operator, CNC setup operator, and CNC programmer, each with different responsibilities and salary ranges ⁶. While the average hourly pay for a CNC machinist in the United States is $23.65, related positions that pay more include ¹² ¹³:

Position	Hourly Salary Range
Machine Engineer	$61.91
CNC Administrator	$41.69
CNC Service Engineer	$41.69 – $42.88
Mill Engineer	$42.88
CNC Supervisor	$24.88 – $42.88
Machinist Supervisor	$24.88 – $42.88
CNC Machine Programmer	$24.88 – $42.88

These positions often require additional skills, experience, or responsibilities compared to entry-level CNC machinists ¹² ¹³. For example, CNC programmers are responsible for writing and testing programs that control the machines, while CNC supervisors oversee the work of other machinists and ensure that projects are completed on time and to specifications ⁶.

Other machinist jobs, such as traveling contract machinists, may offer different salary ranges and requirements depending on the specific industry and location ²⁰. It’s important for aspiring CNC machinists to research the various career paths available and understand the skills and experience needed to advance in their chosen specialty ⁶ ²⁰.

Career Advancement and Salary Growth

CNC machinists in the aviation industry earn above-average salaries due to their specialized knowledge and experience ⁴. More experienced machinists typically earn higher wages, and advanced skills, such as programming and operating complex CNC machines, often lead to higher salaries ⁴. Holding relevant certifications and completing specialized training programs can also lead to higher earning potential ⁴.

To maximize earning potential, CNC machinists should:

Continuously learn and stay updated with the latest advancements in CNC technology ⁴.
Develop expertise in specialized areas of CNC machining ⁴.
Gain experience on a variety of projects and aircraft components ⁴.
Build a strong professional network within the aviation industry to access higher-paying job opportunities ⁴.
Strive for promotions to higher-level positions ⁴.

The machinist workforce is predicted to increase by 10% by 2024, with 29,000 additional skilled machinists needed ¹⁹. Educational opportunities that can lead to higher salaries and management positions include:

Two-year machining-based programs at community colleges or technical schools ¹⁹.
Four-year college education with advanced courses in calculus, physics, and engineering, particularly for industries like aerospace and tech ¹⁹.

Entry-level machinist jobs require little to no educational cost and no experience, offering a high return on investment ¹⁹. Factors that can help someone get a job as a CNC machinist include work ethic, an analytical mind, willingness to learn, and relevant certifications or apprenticeships ²⁰.

Conclusion

The world of CNC machining offers a rewarding career path with competitive salaries and growth opportunities. As the demand for skilled CNC machinists continues to rise, particularly in specialized industries like aviation and aerospace, individuals with the right skills, experience, and certifications can expect to earn well above the national average. By continually expanding their knowledge, gaining hands-on experience, and pursuing educational opportunities, CNC machinists can position themselves for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Aspiring CNC machinists should carefully consider the various factors influencing salaries, such as experience, skill level, industry, and location, when seeking employment or negotiating compensation. With a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to excellence, CNC machinists can build successful careers in this dynamic and growing field, contributing to the creation of precision parts that drive innovation across industries.

FAQs

What is the projected job market for CNC machinists in the coming years?

The employment landscape for CNC machinists appears stable, with an estimated 44,000 job openings annually. While there is no significant growth expected in the number of jobs, the demand for CNC machinists is likely to be sustained as current workers progress in their careers, transition to other professions, or retire.

How much does a CNC machinist typically earn in the United States?

On average, a CNC machinist in the United States earns an annual salary of $48,750, which breaks down to about $23.44 per hour. Those just starting in the field can expect to start at approximately $41,678 per year, while highly experienced machinists can earn up to $62,400 annually.

What factors contribute to higher pay for machinists?

Machinists with more experience tend to receive higher pay due to their enhanced skill set and in-depth industry knowledge. Particularly, machinists who possess advanced abilities in programming and operating sophisticated CNC machinery are often able to negotiate higher salaries.

Is there a risk of CNC machinists being replaced by automation?

Although automation and optimization are integral to modern manufacturing, they are not currently capable of fully replacing human machinists. CNC machinists continue to be essential for programming CNC machines, selecting the appropriate tools, identifying potential issues, and troubleshooting problems that may occur during standard machining operations.