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 How Much Do CNC Machinists Make? A Comprehensive Look



How Much Do CNC Machinists Make? A Comprehensive Look

If you’re considering becoming a CNC machinist, it can be hard to know how much you can expect to make in the long run once you find employment.


 In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators was $42,260 per year. 


This means half of CNC machinists earned more and half earned less.


 But how do CNC machinists’ salaries break down by industry? How do they break down by education level?


What Are The Job Duties Of CNC Machinists?


Most CNC machinists work in machine shops, though some may find employment in factories that manufacture computers, aircraft, and automobiles.


 They typically work full time, although they may occasionally be required to work overtime to meet deadlines. 


CNC machinists typically work on one project at a time and may be assigned tasks by a supervisor or project manager. 


Once they receive their assignment, they use computer software to generate a three-dimensional model of the project.

 

Once the model is approved, the CNC machinist programs the machine to cut the materials according to the specifications of the project.


 After the machine is programmed, the CNC machinist loads the material into the machine and monitors the progress of the project.


 The hours of pay for these professionals are usually reported as an hourly wage but this can vary depending on the company's policies. 


On average, a CNC machinist makes $14.07 per hour while working 40 hours per week (or $42,260 annually). 


Although the BLS does not specify national averages, it does provide figures for some areas in which CNC machinists make significantly more than others. 


CNC machinists in states with lower costs of living are often paid less.


 There are also disparities in wages between genders with men making considerably more money than women - $59,430 annually compared to $38,910.


What Is The Average Salary For A CNC Operator?


The average salary for a CNC operator is $42,260 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 


This means half of all CNC machinists in the United States earn more than this amount, and half earn less.


 The median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators was $38,980 a few years ago, which means that salaries have increased since then.


 However, it's important to keep in mind that these figures are averages and may not reflect what you will earn as a CNC machinist. 


Your exact salary will depend on factors such as :


  • your experience, 
  • skills,
  • employer, 
  • and location.


 Your hourly wage will also vary based on these variables. 


For example, someone with four years of experience working in a manufacturing environment should make an hourly wage between $21-$25 an hour. 


Those who are new to the field can expect wages ranging from $12-$16 an hour. 


The maximum wage is capped at $30 an hour, but only if they have advanced skills and training like programming or CAD/CAM design knowledge.


 Generally speaking, those with better skills should make more money. 


How much money does a CNC machinist make? According to BLS data, the average salary for a CNC machine operator is $42,260 per year.


What Are The Best Cities To Find Jobs As A Milling And Turning Machine Operator?


CNC machinists can find work in a variety of industries, but the majority of positions are in the manufacturing sector. 


Many machinists work in machine shops, where they produce parts and products for other businesses. 


Some machinists work for companies that make their own products, such as :


  • automotive parts
  • or medical devices.


 Others work in research and development laboratories, or in the maintenance department of a factory. 


The best cities to find jobs as a CNC machinist are those with a large manufacturing base, such as :


  • Detroit, 
  • Michigan; 
  • Chicago,
  •  Illinois; 
  • Cleveland, 
  • Ohio. 


As a general rule, areas with larger populations tend to have more job opportunities than smaller towns, so major cities like New York City or Los Angeles may offer better employment opportunities. However, salaries are often higher in smaller communities because there's less competition among employers who need workers with specialized skills like CNC machinists. 


Does Experience Matter When Looking For Work As A Solidworks Operator?


If you're wondering how much does a CNC machinist make, the answer may depend on your experience. 


The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators was $42,260 per year as of May 2019. 


This means half of all CNC machinists earned more than this amount and half earned less.


 However, your actual earnings may be higher or lower depending on your experience.


 For example, the BLS reports that senior computer numerically controlled machine setters make an average salary of $61,510 per year. 


On the other hand, junior machinists make an average salary of just $36,660 per year. PayScale estimates that after 10 years of experience, a machinist can make $60K per year.


 The average salary for machinists in the United States is $45,420 per year. In comparison, a general mechanical engineer makes about $81,250 per year. 


  • What is your opinion about the average salary for machinists?
  •  What are your thoughts on how much do CNC machinists make?
  •  Is it worth becoming a machinist given these salary statistics? 


What Is The Job Outlook For Those In The Computer Numerical Control Field Over The Next Decade?


CNC machinists are in high demand due to the ever-growing popularity of computer numerical control technology. 


The job outlook for those in the computer numerical control field is expected to grow by 12% over the next decade. 


This means that there will be an increasing demand for CNC machinists.


 Although it is difficult to get accurate salary information on the average yearly salary for a CNC machinist, it can be assumed that they make somewhere between $20-$50 per hour with overtime.


 Furthermore, most people who are employed as CNC operators make somewhere between 40-80 hours per week. 


They also make more than average salary per year, depending on how many years of experience they have and what company they work for. 


For example, an average salary for a 20 year old CNC machinist might make anywhere from $30,000 per year to $60,000 per year (depending on their experience level).


 An average salary for a 30-year-old CNC machinist might make anywhere from $55,000 per year to $100,000 per year (depending on their experience level). 


In other words, the average salary for a CNC machinist ranges from $30,000 per year to $100,000 per year. 


That is not including overtime or bonuses. 


That's much higher than the median annual salary for a CNC machinist, which was $42,260 per year.


 If you're interested in becoming a CNC machinist, then this salary may seem quite appealing.


With such good pay, is it worth the time investment to become a CNC machinist? It depends on what your priorities are. 


If you want to make significantly more money per year and enjoy working long hours, then becoming a CNC machinist may be worth it.


 However, if you want your time investment to result in less money per year but still enjoy working long hours, then going into another profession might make more sense for you.