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If you’re a resident of Indiana and wonder about what job to prepare for, I have you covered!
I recommend a newer and in-demand profession, that of a CNC machinist.
This article talks about the meaning of the CNC abbreviation, the training you need to undergo, and even the salary you could earn.
So, what are you waiting for?
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CNC Machinist Job Description
Not everyone knows that CNC means Computer Numerical Control.
So, a CNC machinist works with computer-controlled machines by completing a series of operations to get specific results.
These machines are designed to cut various metals or plastics with very high accuracy.
The machines using such technology are:
- Lathes
- A machine that rotates the material around an axis of rotation, and can complete several functions
- Mills
- This type of machine uses rotary cutters to carve into the material, much like sculpting
- Grinders
- This type of machine sharpens, smoothes, or polishes the material
Here are some of the tasks of a machinist:
- Prepare the machines for operation
- Creating and validating programs
- Fine-tuning settings as required
- Deciphering intricate blueprints and designs to grasp the precise requirements of each component
- Ensure the finished parts align impeccably with the designated specifications following meticulous examination.
CNC Machinist Job Requirements
It’s normal for all jobs to have requirements for candidates.
The same can be said about those willing to work as machinists.
The most basic of them are:
- Finishing high school
- Having a 2.5 GPA
- Obtaining a degree or a certification in the field
- Accumulate experience
- Having the necessary skills
Becoming a CNC Machinist in Indiana
Many jobs have steps to follow before you can get hired.
Why would the occupation of a CNC machinist be any different?
Let’s learn more about the steps to follow!
First step – Education
The minimum experience you need is high school.
Obtaining a GED instead is also accepted.
But you’ll have to attend a university, training center, or college.
Through this, you’ll learn more about CNC machines and how to properly operate them.
Step 2 – Experience
Having some experience before getting hired is highly recommended.
Sure, you’ll have practice hours in the training program you choose, but enrolling in an apprenticeship is highly recommended and useful
Step 3 – Earn Some Certifications
The best certification to earn is the one issued by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills.
The NIMS FAQ page specifies that this certificate has no expiry date, unlike those for other professions.
There are several other certifications you can earn, all of which will make you stand out from other candidates.
Step 4 – Apply for a Job
If you’re lucky, if you entered an apprenticeship upon completing it, you could be offered a full-time position.
Otherwise, there are many sites with job ads to check out.
Even your school could help you find a job.
CNC Machinist Training in Indiana
It’s time to check out what training options you have in Indiana.
Lincoln Technical Institute 
At this institute, the training program has a total of 900 hours.
These hours can be completed in 44 weeks if you attend classes in the morning or in the afternoon.
If you attend in the evening, you’ll attend classes for some 62 weeks.
There are 35 credits per semester to earn.
The classes are offered in person, online, and a combination of the two.
Vincennes University 
This university has a Technical Education Center where adults and even veterans can train for a CNC machinist career.
The teachers have experience both in the industry and in the classroom.
Ivy Tech Community College 
Ivy Tech has several campuses across Indiana, but the best one to enroll at is the one in Indianapolis.
At this campus, you can study for the following:
- Machine Tool Technology CT
- CNC Production Machinist CT
- Machine Tool Technology TC
- CNC Production Machinist TC
- AAS in Machine Tool Technology
You’ll have to pass a knowledge assessment to see if you need preparatory classes.
As you can tell, most of these programs offer a certificate only.
Each program has a different duration and credits to earn.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 7225 Winton Dr Building 128, Indianapolis, IN 46268, |
| Vincennes University | 1002 North First Street Vincennes, Indiana 47591 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway N. Indianapolis, IN 46208 |
CNC Machinist Salary in Indiana
If you made it this far, it means you’re curious about your potential earnings as a machinist.
In Indiana, machinists receive about $49,410 annually.
It’s good to know that, according to the Lincoln Tech website, between 2020 and 2030 there will be more than 5,000 job openings available.
If you search for a position in the following cities from Indiana, you could earn more than in the rest of the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Valparaiso | $50,500 |
| Wheeler | $50,640 |
| Brook | $50,340 |
| Wheatfield | $50,340 |
| Tefft | $50,340 |
| Aurora | $49,300 |
| Sunman | $49,240 |
| Zionsville | $49,220 |
| Bargersville | $49,140 |
| Advance | $48,790 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 930 | $50,050 | $24.06 | $75,900 | $36,850 |
| Columbus, IN | 910 | $44,660 | $21.47 | $58,160 | $32,390 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 1,060 | $44,340 | $21.32 | $59,120 | $31,950 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 430 | $47,330 | $22.76 | $63,380 | $30,240 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 2,200 | $47,070 | $22.63 | $60,590 | $36,660 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 5,410 | $47,560 | $22.87 | $64,150 | $36,530 |
| Kokomo, IN | 140 | $44,600 | $21.44 | $58,620 | $36,070 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 360 | $50,990 | $24.52 | $63,510 | $35,930 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 250 | $44,510 | $21.4 | $61,780 | $32,130 |
| Muncie, IN | 220 | $42,520 | $20.44 | $56,610 | $30,470 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 750 | $46,790 | $22.49 | $60,750 | $32,090 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 380 | $43,600 | $20.96 | $55,420 | $33,430 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CNC machinists in high demand in Indiana?
I already said there will me more than 5,000 positions made available in the next decade.
This clearly indicates just how popular this occupation is in this state.
Are salaries good for CNC machinists in Indiana?
Entry-level salaries in this state are fairly reasonable.
To enhance your earnings potential, it’s recommended to gain additional experience and contemplate pursuing promotions within the field.
Can I enroll in an online training program for CNC machinists in Indiana?
There’s just one training program offered partially or fully online.
However, you’ll have to attend the lab classes to get hands-on experience with how the CNC machines work.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Machinist
CNC Machinist by State