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Are you intrigued by the prospect of pursuing a career as a CNC Machinist?
For those residing in Florida, this career path holds promising potential.
Although relatively fresh, the CNC Machinist profession has witnessed a surge in interest in recent years.
To delve deeper into the intricacies of this occupation and uncover its requirements, delve into the article provided below.
Article Table of Contents
Popular Programs
Discover where you can undergo training to embark on this exciting journey.
CNC Machinist Job Description
If you’re unfamiliar with CNC, it’s worth noting it stands for Computer Numerical Control, which essentially means machines operated by computers.
As a CNC machinist, you’ll engage with these computer-controlled machines, typically utilized for precision cutting tough materials like metal and plastic.
Key machines in this domain include lathes, mills, and grinders, each serving specific purposes.
Beyond machine operation, your daily responsibilities encompass:
- Preparing machinery for optimal performance
- Crafting and verifying programming codes
- Adjusting settings as necessary for precision
- Interpreting blueprints and schematics to meet component specifications
- Ensuring final components meet the quality standards prescribed.
CNC Machinist Job Requirements
Every job has a set of requirements, and this is also true for CNC machinists.
The requirements for this job can be read below:
- Successfully navigating through secondary education
- Sustaining a GPA of 2.5 or above
- Attaining a pertinent degree or certification within the industry
- Accumulating hands-on experience
- Displaying mastery in crucial competencies
Becoming a CNC Machinist in Florida
To learn everything you need to know about being a CNC machinist, you need to attend training.
You should also find out how you can get the training you need.
Step 1 – Education.
Completing high school and receiving a diploma is required.
If for whatever reason you cannot get a high school diploma, pursuing a GED is a good idea.
After you receive the high school diploma or the GED, you should consider attending a post-secondary school.
Such an institution can offer either a certification or a degree that will help with your future career.
You will get the chance to read more about the school that offers training programs in Florida below.
Step 2 – Experience
Having practical job experience is crucial, and you will need to get it separately from your degree.
If you are lucky, your school could offer apprenticeships, so this is something you might want to look into.
While working as an apprentice, you will attend training sessions with experienced machinists and learn how to use all the tools.
Another advantage of training is that apprenticeships are paid, so it can be easy to make money that way until you start an actual job.
Step 3 – Get The NIMS Certification
This is a certification handed out by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills.
The NIMS does not need to be renewed, so it allows you to work for as long as you want.
Additionally, the test you have to pass is available online.
You do not have to pay anything to take the test.
Even if you don’t pass it on the first try, you are allowed to retake it at no cost as many times as needed.
If you receive a credential, you will be deemed more trustworthy and get a job faster.
Step 4 – Apply for a Job
After you finish the apprenticeship, you will be ready to look for your first job as a machinist.
For this, you have a couple of different options.
You can either look for a job yourself in your area, or you can get help from the school in securing a position.
CNC Machinist Training in Florida
As previously mentioned, you can’t become a CNC machinist without getting trained.
In Florida, some schools that offer CNC machinist programs can be seen below.
College of Central Florida 
Within this course lies a comprehensive exploration covering:
- Work Holding
- Mathematical principles
- Inspection techniques
- Safety protocols
- Metal cutting methodologies
- Materials science
- Quality assurance measures
- Grinding procedures.
Mastery of these competencies forms the cornerstone for a successful career journey as a CNC machinist.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| College of Central Florida | 3001 S.W. College Rd Ocala, FL 34474 |
CNC Machinist Salary in Florida
Here in Florida, the annual paycheck typically ranges around $48,130, though this figure can vary based on your skill set and qualifications.
Experience and education play significant roles in determining your income level.
For those seeking higher salaries in the field, check out the following cities where CNC machinist compensation tends to be on the rise.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boca Raton | $49,870 |
| Delray Beach | $49,870 |
| Belle Glade | $49,560 |
| South Bay | $49,560 |
| Pahokee | $49,560 |
| Stuart | $49,560 |
| Canal Point | $49,560 |
| Wellington | $49,420 |
| Coconut Creek | $49,200 |
| Miami | $49,170 |
Regional Salary in Florida
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 160 | $46,830 | $22.52 | $61,270 | $30,220 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 80 | $52,200 | $25.1 | $67,460 | $36,820 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 390 | $40,450 | $19.45 | $51,670 | $33,750 |
| Gainesville, FL | 40 | $46,720 | $22.46 | $64,850 | $26,320 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 850 | $48,440 | $23.29 | $63,700 | $32,290 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 370 | $43,840 | $21.08 | $61,080 | $23,760 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 1,650 | $50,950 | $24.5 | $67,360 | $34,480 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 120 | $55,370 | $26.62 | $69,480 | $37,140 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 400 | $47,580 | $22.88 | $66,830 | $31,690 |
| Ocala, FL | 100 | $43,380 | $20.86 | $58,090 | $32,060 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 720 | $49,010 | $23.56 | $65,590 | $31,200 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 430 | $49,790 | $23.94 | $66,760 | $35,080 |
| Panama City, FL | 100 | $43,490 | $20.91 | $59,530 | $27,660 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 160 | $45,830 | $22.03 | $63,070 | $33,470 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 190 | $50,960 | $24.5 | $66,730 | $33,100 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 50 | $44,530 | $21.41 | $60,660 | $31,390 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 70 | $46,010 | $22.12 | $61,370 | $29,620 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 1,600 | $47,350 | $22.77 | $62,090 | $33,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn CNC machining online in Florida?
Certainly not, becoming proficient in this occupation demands dedicated practice hours to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the machines and their operations.
The online programs available will not award any certification.
Should the programs offered by schools in Florida fail to align with your needs, you have the option to explore institutions in other states.
However, in such a scenario, readiness to relocate to the chosen state for the duration of your studies is imperative.
What are some skills I need to work as a CNC machinist in Florida?
Highlighted below are several indispensable skills crucial for excelling in this role:
- Meticulous Attention to Detail
- Proficiency in Blueprint Interpretation
- Ability to Follow Written Instructions Precisely
- Solid Foundation in Ethical Work Practices
- Sharp Problem-Solving Acumen
Do CNC machinist hold a good job in Florida?
Absolutely, without a doubt.
This profession indeed offers stability and security no matter where you work.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Machinist
CNC Machinist by State