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Are you fascinated by planes and all things space? Becoming an aerospace machinist may be the perfect career choice.
The aerospace industry encompasses all types of flight vehicles, from unpowered gliders and sailplanes to military aircraft and even space launch vehicles. There are many different avenues to take if you’re looking to work in the industry — including the machining side of things.
If becoming an aerospace machinist sounds interesting to you, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn all about this career path, including job duties, salary, how to become an aerospace machinist and more.
Before getting into the specific duties of an aerospace machinist, let’s get a better understanding of exactly what the aerospace industry entails.
According to Britannica, the aerospace industry refers to the assembly and manufacturing of parts used in air and space vehicles used within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Those who work in the industry are involved with the research, development and manufacturing of various vehicles, including:
So where do aerospace machinists fit into the equation?
These professionals create detailed aircraft and spacecraft parts using different types of computer and mechanically controlled machines, like lathes and grinders. They may create parts for a specific type of aircraft, like rotary-wing airplanes, and ship them to a buyer, who will use them in production.
There are two main types of aerospace machinists: production machinists and maintenance machinists.
The job of an aerospace machinist, or a machinist in general, requires a specific set of skills. Some of these include:
As with most industries, the salary of an aerospace machinist can vary based on several factors, like employer, specialty and level of experience.
Some machinists start out as CNC operators and choose to take their knowledge and skills to the aerospace industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool operators in the United States was $46,760 in May 2022.34 This means half of CNC machinists earned more and half earned less. While this might not be the exact salary of an aerospace machinist, it can provide a general idea of income potential for those working in the field. Also keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
When it comes to training to become an aerospace machinist, there are several different routes you can take. Some choose to complete apprenticeship programs, where they learn skills on the job and work their way up to a machinist role.
There is also a need for aerospace machinists in the military, so those interested in taking this path can try to enter the field after they complete their introductory training. They will most likely go through classroom and hands-on training to learn to work on airplanes, helicopters and other types of aircraft used in the military.
Another option is to take a CNC machining training program like NASCAR Technical Institute’s CNC Machining Technology program. This is a great way to gain a foundation of knowledge you can build upon as you start working in the industry.1
The CNC machining program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to craft sophisticated performance parts and components from raw materials. In just 36 weeks, students learn everything from reading blueprints to the setup and operation of CNC mills and lathes.
Courses in the program include:
By the end of the 36 weeks, you’ll have skills you can take with you as you pursue careers in a variety of different industries, from aerospace and defense to electronics and medical.2
As a graduate, you’ll most likely have to complete some form of on-the-job training once you enter the workforce. However, completing a training program like this can catch the eye of employers and give you a head start on what you’ll need to know for your career.
The CNC Machining Technology program is available at the NASCAR Technical Institute campus in Mooresville, North Carolina. In addition to offering hands-on training, the Career Services team at NASCAR Tech offers a variety of resources to assist students in their job search after graduation, including:
Classes for the CNC machining program begin every six weeks, so you can start training and prepare for your career sooner.
To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.
Learn what CNC machine training is, skills learned in CNC training and how CNC training can help you pursue a career.
Thinking about training to become a CNC machinist? Find answers to 9 commonly asked questions about UTI’s program.
How much do CNC machinists make? Click here to learn about the rankings of median annual wages for machinists.
1) NASCAR Technical Institute is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
34) UTI’s CNC Machining Technology Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as CNC machinists. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a CNC technician, such as CNC operator, apprentice machinist, and machined parts inspector. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary for persons employed as Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic (51-4011) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $35,140 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2020 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled CNC machinists in North Carolina is $22.01 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $17.28 and $14.82, respectively.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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