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Do any of these characteristics sound like you? 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.
Throughout the process, a CNC machinist must monitor the work, examine pieces for defects and ensure the CNC machine is running optimally. CNC machines are used in a variety of industries, including:
If you’re wondering how to become a CNC machinist, how long CNC machinist training is and how to become a certified CNC operator, read on for answers.
CNC machinist training times can vary. Some machinists may be able to get apprenticeships, where they can learn on the job.
Other CNC machinists opt for formal training. Universal Technical Institute’s CNC Machining Technology program taught at NASCAR Technical Institute is 36 weeks and provides graduates with a diploma. They receive hands-on training in a safe and supportive environment to learn CNC machinist skills, like setting up and operating CNC machines, monitoring the speed and feed of machines, and smoothing surfaces of parts and products.
If you’re wondering how to get CNC certified, that can vary. 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.
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 work with CNC machinist leading brands like Mastercam, Mitsubishi Materials and Mitee-Bite, so they get direct experience 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 start working in the field as soon as they graduate. NASCAR Tech also has Career Services resources to match students with relevant job opportunities.
The bottom line: If you have interest in becoming a CNC machinist, there are job opportunities throughout the United States, and the number is expected to grow in coming years. Hibdon says the future is looking bright.
“I think CNC is interesting because you can make things that are impossible to do manually,” Hibdon says. “The industry is expanding.”
When researching any career, it’s important to consider salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled 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. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
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 provide students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed in today’s industry.1 To learn more, visit our CNC Machining Technology program page and request information today.
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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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