Median CNC Machinist and Operator Salaries

Ever wonder if there were a way to program a computer to make just about any part or product you wanted? With computer numerical control (CNC) machines, this is possible.

CNC machinists work with CNC machinery to produce parts and tools from metal, plastic and other materials. Today’s machinists support a variety of industries, including transportation, aerospace, electronics and medical, just to name a few. They create everything from medical device implants for human bodies to tiny, intricately designed parts that power machines.

If you’re interested in becoming a CNC machinist, you probably want to know how much they make. Keep reading for our state-by-state CNC machinist salary breakdown.

How Much Do CNC Machinists Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States was $48,550 in May 2023.³⁴ This means half of CNC machinists earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

If you’re wondering how much CNC machinists earn, you’ve come to the right place. Here's a look at average CNC machinist salary ranking rankings reported in May 2023 according to the BLS.

Top 10 Annual Median Salaries for CNC Machinists

Median wages reported by the BLS in May 2023. BLS has data for all but Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. Note that these are not entry-level salaries and are dependent on factors like experience, location, and employer compensation.

1. Washington: $93,230

Aerospace, agriculture, food manufacturing, defense, maritime, life science, global health, information and communications technology, and forestry are all industries in the state of Washington that need CNC machinists. One of Washington leadership’s top priorities is to drive clean technology innovation. For CNC machinists interested in making a positive environmental impact with their work, Washington state is a great option to consider.

2. Maine: $59,440

Fishing, manufacturing, mining and health care are just a few of the industries Maine is known for. CNC machinists have the job of producing parts and tools from a range of materials — and they could find work in the state in one of these sectors. Plus, From the picturesque lighthouses of Portland to the stunning hikes in Acadia National Park, there's always an adventure waiting.

3. Massachusetts: $59,020

According to U.S. News & World Report, prominent industries in Massachusetts are education, health services, manufacturing and technology. Massachusetts has become a significant manufacturer of electronic and computer products, which CNC machinists may create. There is also a great concentration of technology businesses, which rely on machinists to create core components for products and machinery.

4. North Dakota: $58,340

CNC Machinists will find North Dakota offers a range of opportunities, thanks to its robust industries and stunning natural beauty. The Peace Garden State thrives on energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. This means a CNC machinist here might be found crafting precision parts for the energy sector, supporting innovative agricultural machinery, or contributing to high-tech manufacturing. Plus, from the scenic Badlands to the lively city of Fargo, there's endless exploration in this state.

5. Vermont: $57,680

While Vermont may be the sixth-smallest state in the U.S., it offers great opportunities for CNC machinists. Some of the top industries in Vermont include agriculture, manufacturing and mining, which all rely on the skills of machinists. Vermont has a long history as a precision manufacturing hub, dating to the Industrial Revolution. In fact, the town of Springfield was once part of an area known as “Precision Valley.” Today, Vermont uses some of the most modern techniques and equipment to create parts for precision machining, medical device segments and more.

6. Connecticut: $57,400

Connecticut offers a wide variety of opportunities for trained CNC machinists. Among the state’s top industries is large-scale manufacturing, as those companies benefit from the state’s central location in the Northeast. This allows manufacturers to easily reach suppliers and customers throughout the U.S. and east coast of Canada. CNC machinists here may create anything from medical devices to parts for submarines.

7. New Jersey: $56,830

Although it’s the fourth smallest state in the U.S., its manufacturing industry is big. At the heart of manufacturing operations are skilled CNC machinists. New Jersey is also known for its beautiful beaches and transporting, making CNC machinists in demand while living near beautiful coastlines. Living here can be a great choice with its beautiful beaches and a plethora of historical landmarks that give this state a unique charm.

8. Wisconsin: $52,700

Manufacturing is the leading industry in Wisconsin, contributing to 18.79% of the total output of the state in 2018. Top products manufactured by Wisconsin include food, beverage and tobacco, machinery, and fabricated metal. The state also manufactures parts for computer and electronic products, transportation, and the aerospace industries. If you’re looking for a state where you can explore a variety of different avenues as a machinist, this may be the perfect place.

9. New Hampshire: $51,180

The Granite State is named because of its large mining industry — making CNC machines and mechanics in demand. CNC machinists here might be busy crafting precision parts for cutting-edge aerospace projects, contributing to innovative defense manufacturing, or supporting the state's dynamic industrial landscape. Residents of New Hampshire enjoy picturesque small towns, no general sales tax and abundant wildlife.

10. Maryland: $50,820

Maryland’s state government promotes a business-friendly culture supporting top industries like IT and cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, defense and federal, life sciences, aerospace and defense, bio-health, energy and sustainability, and agribusiness. All these industries rely on perfectly working machinery to operate. CNC machinists may create small parts for machines powering these industries or products they sell.

FAQs

1. What is the median CNC machinist salary?

The median CNC machinist salary in the United States is approximately $44,000 per year, though this can vary based on factors such as experience, geographic location and the specific industry in which they are employed.

2. Which states pay the highest median CNC machinist salary?

CNC machinists tend to earn the highest salaries in states with a strong manufacturing presence, including Washington, Maine and Massachusetts.

3. Are there any opportunities for salary growth or advancement in the CNC machining field?

Opportunities for CNC machinist wage growth and advancement depend on the individual and other factors. In the CNC machining field, advancing can include CNC programming roles or moving into supervisory or management positions within manufacturing and engineering companies.⁷⁷

Get CNC Machining Training at NASCAR Tech!

If you aspire to work in a competitive field with job opportunities for skilled technicians around the country, CNC machining may be for you. In this industry, machinists can combine a love of computers and technology with hands-on work and always produce something new.

A CNC machinist training program, like the one offered at NASCAR Technical Institute, can help you train for a career as a CNC machinist.¹ To learn more about this 36-week program, visit our program page to request information, or call 1-800-834-7308 to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives.