by 
America’s BLS says that CNC Machinists are in high demand across a wide variety of industries.
Highly skilled operators can find employment in the automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, research, and defense industries among many others.
Today’s CNC Programmers fabricate parts and tools for aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing companies across the US.
If you have a drive for working with computers and machinery in a manufacturing environment becoming a CNC Machinist could be the best career move for you!
Learn more about the role of today’s CNC Machine Operators and gain insights on a few pros and cons of being a CNC Machinist in the informative career guide below!
Article Table of Contents
- 1 What Is a CNC Machinist?
- 2 Job Duties of CNC Machinists
- 3 How Much Do CNC Machinists Earn Annually?
- 4 How to Become a CNC Machinist?
- 5 What Skills Do I Need for Success as a CNC Machinist?
- 6 Pros of Being a CNC Machinist
- 7 Cons of Being a CNC Machinist
- 8 Pros and Cons of Being a CNC Machinist – Summary Table
- 9 Should You Become a CNC Machinist?
What Is a CNC Machinist?
A CNC Machinist is a highly skilled computer operator who uses blueprints and advanced machinery to craft new and replacement parts and tools for a variety of uses.
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operators are highly skilled professionals who craft tools using computers, robots, and machinery to form precision parts from materials like wood, stone, metal, and plastic.
Job Duties of CNC Machinists
- Reading and Interpreting Blueprints
- Learning and Programming CNC Codes
- Performing Quality Assurance Checks
- Setting up and Maintaining Machinery
- Monitoring Computer and Machine Operations During Production
How Much Do CNC Machinists Earn Annually?
The BLS reports the average annual earnings of US-based machinists at just over $48,000.00 per year.
They say the lowest earning 10% of machinists bring in around $36,380.00 annually.
High-earning CNC Machinists can make as much as $66,970.00 per year or more with specialized training.
How to Become a CNC Machinist?
Most CNC Machinists have minimally completed their high school education.
Career-oriented machinists get advanced professional training through local colleges, universities, workforce development programs, and through top national certification authorities like the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Some machinists begin their careers through apprenticeships or years of on-the-job training.
What Skills Do I Need for Success as a CNC Machinist?
High Technical Aptitude
One of the most critical skills for CNC Operators is high technical aptitude.
Machinists read programming languages, code machines, and use blueprints with complex computer software.
Sharp Attention to Detail
Having keen attention to detail is another crucial skill for technicians who work in fast-paced roles where precision is paramount.
Even the smallest errors in programming or judgment can lead to expensive mistakes.
Strong Problem-Solving Skills
CNC Machinists are often tasked with resolving complex problems with simple solutions.
Incoming machinists should have strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting production issues, resolving material defects, and reprogramming machinery as needed.
Physical Stamina
Machining Specialists work long shifts which include consecutive hours of standing as they craft precisely fitting parts and tools.
Machinists should have the physical stamina required to lift and transport heavy materials, stand for several hours without breaks, and operate heavy-duty machines and equipment.
Strong Mathematical and Programming Skills
Having strong mathematical skills is an absolute must for CNC Techs as the bulk of their job requires them to make precise measurements as they program machines with dimensions and calculations needed to fabricate parts and tools of Being a CNC Machinist
Pros of Being a CNC Machinist
1. High Demand in Manufacturing
CNC machinists are in demand in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense as these machine fabricators use their skills to make intricate and unique parts and tools cut to precise specifications.
The tools and parts created by CNC Machinists are used to power tools and equipment for airplanes, heavy machinery satellites, and military equipment.
2. Opportunities for Advancement
Entry-level machinists who want to advance their careers and increase their salaries can get advanced education to become CNC Programmers, CNC Setup Technicians, and Machine Shop Supervisors.
These advanced roles involve programming the instructions and codes that CNC machines read, setting up the machines, and overseeing the daily operations of manufacturing facilities.
3. Hands-On, Skilled Work
People with a technical aptitude who enjoy creating tools and parts using machines and complex mathematical equations find career satisfaction when working as a hands-on CNC Operator.
These in-depth professionals have a sense of pride in every part and tool crafted by their own hands.
4. Potential for High Earnings
Highly skilled machinists have the potential to increase their average annual earnings by taking on higher-responsibility and higher-paying roles, sitting for advanced certifications, and gaining specialized skills in areas like multi-axis machining, precision grinding, and complex toolpath programming which are in high demand across many industries.
5. Technologically Advanced Role
Hands-on industrial workers are incorporating manufacturing and technological skills into the roles of machinists.
Today’s machine operators use advanced Computer Numerical Control machines to produce complex and precise parts and tools.
Machinists integrate a variety of software programs using Computer Aided Design software for rendering 2D and 3D models for reference.
6. Varied Work Environments
The complex and in-demand nature of the roles of CNC Machinists means we can find them working in a variety of different high-level industries in automotive manufacturing, defense, and aerospace.
Well-trained machinists can typically find work in manufacturing plants, automotive manufacturing plants, medical manufacturing plants, tool and die shops, and beyond.
This career affords newcomers the ability to choose from different work locations as they begin or hone their careers.
7. High Paying Career Opportunities for Technicians with Advanced Skills
Career-oriented machinists who are willing to take on extra work hours and gain advanced certifications can earn high-paying salaries as they acquire new skills and take on more challenging roles.
Machinists who work in specialized industries in manufacturing, aerospace, and defense can also earn high salaries that can increase with the acquisition of new and more complex skills.
Cons of Being a CNC Machinist
1. Physically Demanding Work
Working as a Machine Operator can lead to physically taxing work that includes hours of standing while modeling and manufacturing parts, tools, and modules.
2. Physical Safety Risks
Working in manufacturing environments can mean exposure to chemicals, noise, extreme temperature fluctuations, and injuries sustained from heavy equipment vibrations.
Some machinists can sustain repetitive motion injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, and physical injuries as they lift, carry, and install heavy machine parts and equipment.
3. Repetitive Nature of the Job
The repetitive nature of the job can mean boredom for some CNC Techs who become bogged down in the daily routine when working in high-volume production environments.
Working extended shifts can increase boredom levels and result in job dissatisfaction for technicians who seek more variety and lower-stress work environments without such stringent repetitive requirements and tight production deadlines.
4. High-Stress Deadlines
Many production orders in high-volume manufacturing plants place stringent and tight deadlines for the delivery of parts and tools which can place a physical and emotional strain on workers as they try to complete complex equipment orders and tasks while maintaining high quality standards.
The constant pressure to produce high-quality products at top speed can take an emotional toll on stressed-out machinists as they work diligently to meet deadlines.
5. Working Irregular Hours
Entry-level machinists may be required to work irregular hours which can include first, second, and third shift hours or graveyard shifts.
Some workers work rotating shifts which can make it difficult to plan personal time outside of work and lead to burnout over time as employees work 10-12-hour shifts for months or years on end.
6. Limited Advancement Without Further Training
The role of a machinist without advanced education, credentials, or skills typically presents limited opportunities for advancement.
Limited advancement opportunities can leave some machinists feeling stuck in their roles as they are unwilling or unable to take on the additional responsibilities of gaining advanced education and experience in addition to working their regularly scheduled shifts.
7. Potential for Limited Earnings without Advanced Education
Machine Operators on the lower end of the salary scale can become frustrated in their roles where the potential for increasing their earnings is limited due to a lack of advanced knowledge and skills.
Overtaxed machinists can feel stuck in a salary loop as senior machinists and manufacturing counterparts take on more advanced roles that reward them with higher pay and compensation packages than their lower-skilled counterparts.
Pros and Cons of Being a CNC Machinist – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a CNC Machinist | Cons of Being a CNC Machinist |
|---|---|
| 1. High Demand in Manufacturing | 1. Physically Demanding Work |
| 2. Opportunities for Advancement | 2. Physical Safety Risks |
| 3. Hands-On, Skilled Work | 3. Repetitive Nature of the Job |
| 4. Potential for High Earnings | 4. High-Stress Deadlines |
| 5. Technologically Advanced Role | 5. Working Irregular Hours |
| 6. Varied Work Environments | 6. Limited Advancement Without Further Training |
| 7. High Paying Career Opportunities for Technicians with Advanced Skills | 7. Potential for Limited Earnings without Advanced Education |
Should You Become a CNC Machinist?
Now that you have some insights into the career of today’s machine operating technicians, do you feel like working as a CNC Machinist is the right career for you?
Consider the following questions when deciding to take the next steps toward starting or advancing your career in this role.
- Do you enjoy working with your hands, computers, and complex machinery?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with strict deadlines and high-quality standards?
- Are you committed to gaining the necessary training, education, and hands-on experience to maintain a lucrative career as a CNC Operator?
- Do you feel comfortable taking on high-stress roles with physically demanding work that can include standing for hours on end?
If you answered yes to the questions above, working as a CNC machinist could be an ideal career for you!
Learn more about the role of today’s machinists, and what they do, and find information on local training and certification programs before making your final decision and diving into a new career.