How to Become a CNC Machinist in Mississippi (2026)
Mississippi employs about 1,920 cnc machinists earning a median $55,550 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most cnc machinists train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Mississippi.
Compare CNC Machinist Schools in Mississippi
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | 63.6 | $4,000 in-state / $5,000 out-of-state | $36,902 | 50% | Yes* | 92 mi |
| 2 | Itawamba Community College | 63.0 | $3,420 in-state / $5,820 out-of-state | $41,849 | 50% | Yes* | 121 mi |
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| 3 | East Mississippi Community College | 57.7 | $4,095 in-state / $7,445 out-of-state | $42,022 | 48% | Yes* | 58 mi |
| 4 | Hinds Community College | 53.6 | $4,250 in-state / $7,300 out-of-state | $40,042 | 43% | Yes* | 65 mi |
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| 5 | Holmes Community College | 53.5 | $3,710 in-state / $6,610 out-of-state | $39,984 | 39% | Yes* | 28 mi |
| 6 | Pearl River Community College | 52.2 | $3,700 in-state / $6,100 out-of-state | $43,603 | 37% | Yes* | 133 mi |
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| 7 | Meridian Community College | 50.6 | $4,078 in-state / $6,478 out-of-state | $50,810 | 34% | Yes* | 52 mi |
| 8 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | 47.6 | $3,740 | $42,368 | 45% | Yes* | 131 mi |
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| 9 | East Central Community College | 46.4 | $4,160 in-state / $6,260 out-of-state | $36,389 | 36% | — | 32 mi |
| 10 | Jones County Junior College | 45.6 | $4,806 in-state / $6,806 out-of-state | $36,340 | 41% | Yes* | 83 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Mississippi employs approximately 1,920 cnc machinists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $55,550 1. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 29,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a CNC Machinist in Mississippi, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Mississippi): $55,550 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a CNC Machinist in Mississippi
How to become a CNC Machinist in Mississippi? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for cnc machinists in Mississippi.
How long does it take? Most paths into the cnc machinist field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do cnc machinists earn in Mississippi? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in Mississippi is $55,550 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $34,570 and experienced professionals can earn $76,670 or more 1.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Mississippi
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Mississippi training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Mississippi that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to cnc machinists in Mississippi before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
CNC Machinist Apprenticeship Information in Mississippi
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years.
Contact Information:
- Office: Mississippi Apprenticeship Program
- Address: 1235 Echelon Pkwy, Jackson, MS 39213
- Phone: (601) 321-6000
- Email: [email protected]
CNC Machinist Wages by Metro Area in Mississippi
Machinists Wages by Metro Area in Mississippi
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), machinists wages in Mississippi vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 1,050 | $59,220 | $58,390 | $39,630 | $74,340 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | 420 | $63,330 | $60,050 | $47,760 | $63,470 |
| Jackson | 230 | $49,850 | $51,530 | $30,560 | $82,630 |
| Hattiesburg | 40 | $52,170 | $55,190 | $36,180 | $72,040 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cnc machinists in Mississippi? Mississippi currently employs approximately 1,920 cnc machinists 1. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Mississippi? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Mississippi.
How much do cnc machinists earn in Mississippi compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in Mississippi is $55,550, which is $600 below the national median of $56,150 according to BLS data 1.
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In Mississippi
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |