How long does it take to become a CNC machinist?

Most CNC machinist programs take 6 to 18 months, or up to 2 years for an associate degree.

Do CNC machinists need certification?

Certification isn’t required but is highly recommended. NIMS and PMMI credentials can lead to higher-paying roles.

What’s the average CNC machinist salary?

The median annual salary is around $51,710, with experienced machinists earning over $70,000.

How to Become a CNC Machinist

Updated October 20, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Ever wondered who builds the precision parts that make airplanes fly, cars move, and machines run smoothly?
That’s what CNC machinists do they take raw metal and turn it into the components that power nearly every industry.

If you like working with your hands, solving puzzles, and seeing real results from your work at the end of each day, becoming a CNC machinist could be your next big move.

Let’s walk through what it’s really like the training, the tools, the pay, and the path.

What Does a CNC Machinist Actually Do?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control but don’t worry, this isn’t all coding and math. It’s about using advanced machines to cut, drill, shape, and finish materials with unbelievable precision.

On a typical day, you might:

Read blueprints and digital design files
Set up and calibrate machines like mills, lathes, and grinders
Load metal stock and monitor production
Inspect parts using precision tools (like micrometers and gauges)
Adjust machine settings for accuracy and safety

Think of CNC machinists as part engineer, part artist they turn code and metal into parts that keep the world moving.

Salary & Job Outlook

Quick Facts	CNC Machinists
2024 Median Pay	$57,700 per year / $27.74 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Postsecondary certificate or associate degree
Work Experience Required	None
On-the-job Training	Moderate-term
Number of Jobs (2024)	354,800
Job Outlook (2024–33)	-2% (Decline)
Employment Change (2024–33)	-5,900

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

As automation expands, skilled CNC operators are more valuable than ever. These machines might be smart but they still need humans who understand precision, safety, and process.

How to Become a CNC Machinist (5 Steps)

Here’s the play-by-play on how to get started:

Finish high school or get your GED
Focus on math, blueprint reading, and shop classes trust me, they’ll make your life easier later.
Complete a CNC training program (6–18 months)
Trade schools and technical colleges teach you how to run, program, and maintain CNC equipment.

Get hands-on experience
The magic happens in the shop learning how to fine-tune machines, avoid mistakes, and understand materials.
Earn industry certifications
These aren’t mandatory, but they’ll make you stand out. Common ones include:
- NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills)
- PMMI Mechatronics Certification
- CNC Setup/Programming Certificates from trade schools or manufacturers
Start working and keep learning
Machinists who keep upgrading their skills often move into CNC programming, quality control, or manufacturing management.

steps-to-become-a-cnc-machinist

Certifications & Training Options

While you can start entry-level without certification, employers love candidates who’ve invested in their craft.

Common Paths:

Trade School Programs – 6–18 months, focused and hands-on
Apprenticeships – Earn while you learn in a shop environment
Associate Degree in Precision Machining or Manufacturing Technology – 2 years, more advanced

Many machinists say the first time they saw a part they made go into a car, a plane, or a machine that’s when it clicked. “I made that.”

Skills That Make You Great at This

Patience and precision (tiny mistakes = big problems)
Comfort with computers and measurements
Problem-solving under pressure
Math and mechanical reasoning
Focus and pride in craftsmanship

CNC machining is where technology meets touch and great machinists have both.

Career Growth & Opportunities

CNC machinists work in:

Aerospace and automotive manufacturing
Defense and industrial equipment
Medical device fabrication
Metal and plastics production

Future Career Paths:

CNC Programmer
Tool & Die Maker
Manufacturing Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector

Pros & Cons of CNC Machining

Pros:

Hands-on, creative work
High job security
Great pay and benefits
Real satisfaction in what you build

Cons:

Long hours on your feet
Repetitive tasks at times
Noise and shop environment can be intense

Start Your CNC Career

CNC machinists are the quiet craftsmen behind almost everything we use from the phones in our pockets to the planes overhead.

If you’re ready to learn skills that are in demand everywhere (and actually make things that last), this trade might just be your calling.

Your future is waiting one perfectly cut piece at a time.

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.