Intro to CNC Machinist Training

 Do any of these characteristics sound like you?

• You love working with computers.
• You are detail-oriented.
• You enjoy creating and building things.
• You’re organized and great at time management.
• You’re an excellent problem solver and adapt to challenges.
• You’re a team player.
• You have a good work ethic.

If so, you might be interested in becoming a CNC machinist.

CNC machinists work with computer numerical control (CNC) machines. They read sketches, blueprints, and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) files, and use code to input product design into a computer-guided machine. The CNC machine uses that code to turn, shape, grind, drill and mill materials, like metal and plastic, into parts as large as car frames to as small as tiny computer parts. CNC machines are used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, aviation, automobile manufacturing and racing, medical and dental and furniture design.

Wondering how to become a CNC machinist? Keep reading to learn more about this career path, how long CNC machinist training is and how to become a certified CNC operator.

What CNC Machinists Do

Becoming a CNC machinist requires an education, practical experience and continuous learning to keep pace with the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry. Below are steps that outline a strategic path toward becoming a skilled CNC machinist.

Step 1: Enroll in technical training

The first step toward pursuing a career is to gain a solid foundation in CNC machining. A recognized program at a trade school, like the CNC Machining Technology program at NASCAR Technical Institute, a Mooresville, North Carolina, trade school offered by Universal Technical Institute (UTI), offers courses that teach the essential knowledge and provide hands-on training in operating CNC machines, reading blueprints and understanding CNC programming.^2,85

Step 2: Seize available learning opportunities

While enrolled in a program, get ready to learn. But remember—training doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom or lab.

Look for part-time employment opportunities in manufacturing or machine shops. At UTI’s NASCAR Tech campus, students can contact our Career Advisors to assist them with identifying these types of opportunities. This not only allows students to apply what they've learned in a real-world setting, but also exposes them to the industry and its standard practices.

Step 3: Pursue entry-level employment in the field

After completing your education, seek entry-level positions as a CNC machinist. Once again, UTI graduates can reach out to our Career Advisors, who will help them apply for roles in their chosen field of study.

These types of roles will offer graduates the chance to further hone their skills on the job under the mentorship of experienced professionals. It's an essential step for gaining the experience required to advance in a career.⁶

Step 4: Continue to learn and grow your career

The field of CNC machining is continually advancing, with new technologies and techniques being developed. To advance in this career, CNC machinists need to stay curious and seize every opportunity to learn, whether through on-the-job training, workshops or additional certifications as they keep their skills up to date.

Read: CNC Machinist Job Description: What a CNC Machinist Does

How Long Is CNC Machinist Training?

CNC machinist training times can vary. Some machinists may be able to get apprenticeships, in which they can learn on the job.

Other CNC machinists opt for formal training. UTI’s CNC Machining Technology program, taught at the NASCAR Technical Institute campus in Mooresville, North Carolina, is 36 weeks and provides graduates with a diploma. We offer hands-on training in a safe and supportive environment, providing the opportunity for students to learn CNC machinist skills—like setting up and operating CNC machines, monitoring the speed and feed of machines and smoothing the surfaces of parts and products.

If you’re wondering how to get CNC certified, that answer can vary depending on your professional goals. There are voluntary CNC machinist certifications, such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills’ Certified CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations certification. Certifications, as well as formal training at a reputable school, may help candidates be more desirable to CNC machinist employers.

Read: What Is CNC Programming? CNC Programmer Description

How Much Does It Cost to Become a CNC Machinist?

Some of the most direct costs of becoming a CNC machinist come from training for the field. Fortunately, financial aid can help mitigate expenses for eligible students and pave the way for a CNC career education.¹⁰ Many technical schools offer scholarships specifically designed for students in vocational and technical programs, including CNC machining.

Federal financial aid, including grants and loans, can be accessed by students who qualify by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For veterans or active military members, benefits through the GI Bill^® can also cover at least part of the cost of CNC training programs.²¹ Work-study programs may offer another option for financial assistance, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while offsetting education costs.

Read: What Is a CNC Maintenance Technician?

What Is CNC Machinist Training Like?

Using UTI’s CNC Machining Technology program as an example, students who enter CNC machinist training can expect a blend of lectures, bookwork and hands-on training.

The hands-on training aspect makes up the majority of UTI’s program. Students utilize CNC machinist leading brands like Mastercam, Mitsubishi Materials and Mitee-Bite, so they get direct training with tools used in the field.

CNC machinist school provides some benefits over a four-year college for students who know they want to be CNC machinists. For example, Craig Hibdon, a CNC instructor at NASCAR Tech, says, “NASCAR Technical Institute is a fast-paced school that concentrates on the subject to get the students out in the field of their choice. We don’t have other classes for credits like English or astronomy.”

That means students are ready to pursue work in the field as soon as they graduate. UTI’s NASCAR Tech location also has Career Services resources to match graduates with relevant job opportunities.

The bottom line: If you have an interest in becoming a CNC machinist, there are job opportunities throughout the United States. Hibdon says the future is looking bright. “I think CNC is interesting because you can make things that are impossible to do manually,” he says. “The industry is expanding.”

Read: What Are CNC Machine Operators? How To Become One

How Much Does a CNC Machinist Make?

When researching any career, it’s important to consider salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 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.

Read: What Is a CNC Mill Machinist?

FAQs

1. Can I become a CNC machinist without a degree?

While a CNC degree is not always required, having formal training can improve the availability of job prospects and salary potential. Many employers provide on-the-job training, but attending vocational schools or community colleges can help prove that you’ve already learned those skills.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a CNC machinist degree?

Obtaining a CNC machinist degree equips individuals with a solid foundation in machining principles, computer-aided design (CAD) and programming, increasing job prospects and potential earnings. It also can open opportunities for advancement into supervisory or managerial positions, as well as the potential for specialization in highly technical fields.

Read: CNC Machining Frequently Asked Questions

Learn How to Become a CNC Machinist with Training from UTI!

Does a career as a CNC machinist seem like a good fit for you? The CNC Machining Technology program offered at our NASCAR Tech campus is designed to prepare graduates to pursue a career as a CNC machinist by providing the knowledge and hands-on training needed in today’s industry. To learn more, visit our CNC Machining Technology program page and request information today.