CNC Machinist
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$50,110/yr
Typical range
$38,000 – $64,000
Education
Associate degree
Time to entry
About 2 years
What a CNC Machinist does
Sets up, operates, and maintains computer numerical control machines to cut, shape, and finish metal and plastic parts to precise specifications.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a associate degree. About 2 years.
Estimated cost of that path: ~$7,500. Estimated payback: ~1 year. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Automotive Technician — $46,830/yr
- Diesel Mechanic — $54,360/yr
- Elevator Mechanic — $99,640/yr
- EV Technician — $58,000/yr
- HVAC Technician — $57,300/yr
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