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Does the idea of embarking on a career as a CNC Machinist captivate your interest?
For Georgia residents, this vocational path has many promising opportunities.
While still pretty fresh, the CNC Machinist profession has experienced a notable uptick in popularity in recent times.
To learn more about this occupation and grasp its prerequisites, check out the following article.
Article Table of Contents
Popular Programs
CNC Machinist Job Description
If CNC jargon seems foreign to you, it’s essential to understand its meaning Computer Numerical Control, indicating machines operated via computer commands.
As a CNC machinist, you will use these computer-driven devices, primarily employed for precisely cutting resilient materials including metal and plastic.
Within this domain, pivotal machines like lathes, mills, and grinders serve distinct functions, each contributing to the manufacturing process.
Your daily tasks extend beyond mere machine operation and involve:
- Optimizing machinery for peak performance
- Crafting and validating programming codes
- Fine-tuning settings to ensure accuracy
- Deciphering intricate blueprints and schematics to adhere to component specifications
- Upholding stringent quality standards to guarantee the excellence of final products.
CNC Machinist Job Requirements
Within every profession lies a defined set of prerequisites, and the role of CNC machinists is no exception.
Outlined below are the criteria for this occupation:
- Progressing through secondary education with proficiency
- Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Obtaining a relevant degree or certification within the field
- Garnering practical experience through hands-on work
- Demonstrating mastery in essential competencies
For further insights into the requisite skills, delve into the FAQ section.
Becoming a CNC Machinist in Georgia
To acquire comprehensive knowledge about CNC machining, enrolling in training sessions is imperative.
Discovering avenues for obtaining such training is crucial.
Step 1 – Education.
Completion of high school and acquisition of a diploma is a prerequisite.
In the event that obtaining a high school diploma isn’t feasible, pursuing a GED is a viable alternative.
Subsequently, after attaining either the high school diploma or GED, attending a post-secondary institution becomes essential.
Such establishments offer certifications or degrees that prove beneficial for future career prospects.
Further information regarding schools offering training programs in Georgia awaits your exploration below.
Step 2 – Experience
Acquiring practical job experience stands as a pivotal aspect, distinct from your academic degree.
Your educational institution might be able to provide apprenticeship opportunities, making it a worthwhile avenue to explore.
During your apprenticeship tenure, you’ll participate in training sessions alongside seasoned machinists.
An added perk of apprenticeships is that they come with monetary compensation, offering a means to earn while you learn until securing a formal position.
Step 3 – NIMS Certification
This certification, awarded by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), confers a lasting validity, allowing you to work indefinitely within the field.
Furthermore, the certification exam is conveniently available online, with no associated fees for participation.
Even if don’t succeed at first, the opportunity for repeated attempts at no extra cost ensures perseverance pays off.
Earning this credential enhances your credibility, potentially expediting your job search process.
Step 4 – Apply for a Job
You will naturally want to get hired once you complete your training program.
As Georgia is a popular state for CNC machinists, it will be quite easy to get hired.
If you need more help, the school you trained at could also help you in finding job opportunities.
CNC Machinist Training in Georgia
As reiterated earlier, becoming a CNC machinist necessitates undergoing proper training.
In Georgia, several educational institutions provide CNC machinist programs.
One of them is highlighted below for your consideration.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College 
This technical college offers a reliable machinist program that ends in a diploma.
Some of the courses available include:
- Production Floor Safety
- CNC Controls and Programming
- Metallurgy
- Machining and Grinding Processes
- Inspection Methods
- Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM Principles
- Workholding Techniques
The program allows you to prepare for a variety of roles, including CNC machinist, machine operator, or mill operator.
As a student, you can attend interactive webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities with potential employers.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | 8100 Bob Williams Parkway – Newton - Building D Covington, GA 30014 |
CNC Machinist Salary in Georgia
In the state of Georgia, the yearly income typically hovers around $49,160 for CNC machinists.
However, his amount fluctuates depending on education, location, and qualifications.
If you’re aiming for more lucrative opportunities within the CNC machinist domain, consider exploring the following cities where compensation trends are on an upward trajectory.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Scottdale | $49,760 |
| Stone Mountain | $49,720 |
| Redan | $49,690 |
| Riverdale | $49,640 |
| Woodstock | $49,430 |
| Waco | $49,410 |
| Acworth | $49,410 |
| Aragon | $49,410 |
| Athens | $49,410 |
| Athens | $49,410 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 50 | $50,490 | $24.28 | $63,770 | $31,100 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 130 | $48,210 | $23.18 | $60,940 | $36,830 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 3,090 | $50,800 | $24.42 | $71,190 | $32,960 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 600 | $47,610 | $22.89 | $61,240 | $35,880 |
| Brunswick, GA | 40 | $45,800 | $22.02 | $62,050 | $30,670 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 80 | $41,720 | $20.06 | $57,600 | $23,370 |
| Dalton, GA | 170 | $43,360 | $20.85 | $61,270 | $28,630 |
| Gainesville, GA | 180 | $50,130 | $24.1 | $63,580 | $36,540 |
| Macon, GA | 120 | $46,610 | $22.41 | $64,510 | $33,010 |
| Rome, GA | 70 | $55,440 | $26.65 | $82,290 | $32,720 |
| Savannah, GA | 240 | $56,850 | $27.33 | $78,280 | $33,130 |
| Valdosta, GA | 70 | $36,450 | $17.52 | $50,440 | $28,600 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 130 | $55,000 | $26.44 | $71,130 | $24,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I train as a CNC machinist outside of Georgia?
As long as it’s not an online program, the answer is yes.
Which area of study should I focus on to become a CNC machinist in Georgia?
Mathematics undoubtedly holds significant importance in the technical realm, particularly for CNC machinists.
A solid foundation in fundamental mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is essential.
Furthermore, proficiency in working with fractions, percentages, and decimals is indispensable for effectively executing tasks within the CNC machining domain.
Are CNC machinists in high demand in Georgia?
While it’s true that the demand for CNC machinists in Georgia may not be as robust as in other regions, this shouldn’t dissuade aspiring individuals from pursuing this career path.
It’s important to recognize that older machinists will inevitably retire, creating opportunities for new talent to enter the field.
Therefore, despite the current demand levels, there is still ample potential for growth and advancement in the CNC machining industry in Georgia.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Machinist
CNC Machinist by State