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How much does a CNC Machinist make?

The average salary for a CNC Machinist is $54,278 per year in the US.

CNC Machinists play a key role in manufacturing by operating machines that cut metal or plastic into specific shapes. This role requires skill and attention to detail. The salary for a CNC Machinist can vary based on experience, location, and industry. On average, a CNC Machinist earns about $54,278 per year. This average helps to understand what to expect as you look for jobs in this field.

Here are some salary details:

  • The lowest 10% earn around $35,000 annually.
  • The middle 50% earn between $43,364 and $64,273 yearly.
  • The highest 10% earn more than $76,818 per year.
Job seekers can use this information to set realistic expectations for their salary. They can also prepare for negotiations with potential employers.

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What are the highest paying cities for a CNC Machinist?

Top cities for CNC Machinist jobs offer competitive salaries. Boston, MA, and New Haven, CT, lead with salaries around $70,000. Los Angeles, CA, and Huntsville, AL, also provide strong earning potential for CNC Machinists. Other cities like Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, have average salaries close to $65,000. Minneapolis, MN, and Manchester, NH, offer good opportunities too. Fort Collins, CO, and Tuscaloosa, AL, round out the list with solid pay scales. Each city provides a chance for CNC Machinists to thrive professionally.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $69,410 and Fort Collins, CO with the lowest at $61,616.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $69,410
    In Boston, skilled workers find many job opportunities in manufacturing and tech. Companies like Raytheon and General Electric offer positions that need precise machining skills. The city's vibrant economy and high demand for quality products make it a great place to build a career.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $69,062
    New Haven offers a mix of small businesses and large companies that require expert machinists. With institutions like Yale University nearby, there are plenty of chances to learn and grow. The area's rich industrial history supports a steady demand for skilled machinists.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in New Haven, CT


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $66,246
    Los Angeles boasts a bustling job market with many opportunities in aerospace and entertainment industries. Companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin look for professionals who can handle complex tasks. The city's diverse economy provides a dynamic environment for career development.
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  4. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $66,136
    Huntsville is known as the 'Rocket City' due to its aerospace industry. This makes it an ideal location for machinists who want to work on cutting-edge projects. With companies like NASA and Redstone Arsenal, the city offers many chances to work on important and innovative products.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Huntsville, AL


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $65,642
    Seattle's job market thrives with tech giants and manufacturing firms. Companies like Boeing and Amazon need skilled machinists to produce high-quality goods. The city's progressive environment and strong demand for tech products make it a great place for career growth.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Tuscaloosa, AL
    Average Salary: $64,239
    Tuscaloosa offers a friendly work environment with a strong focus on manufacturing and aerospace. The University of Alabama provides many educational resources and internship opportunities. This combination makes it an excellent place for machinists to start and advance their careers.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $62,881
    San Jose, part of Silicon Valley, is home to many tech companies that need precise machining skills. Firms such as Intel and Apple look for experts who can work on advanced manufacturing projects. The city's innovative spirit and high demand for tech products create many opportunities for growth.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $62,390
    Minneapolis offers a strong job market with a mix of industries including healthcare and manufacturing. Companies such as 3M and Medtronic need skilled machinists for their projects. The city's supportive environment and diverse economy provide many chances for career development.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  9. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $62,092
    Manchester has a growing job market with opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare. Local companies require skilled machinists to produce high-quality products. The city's supportive business environment and diverse industries make it a good place to build a career.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Manchester, NH


  10. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $61,616
    Fort Collins offers a mix of outdoor activities and a strong job market in manufacturing and tech. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Intel need skilled machinists. The city's vibrant community and high demand for tech products create many opportunities for career growth.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Fort Collins, CO

What are the best companies a CNC Machinist can work for?

CTR Group stands out as a top employer for CNC Machinists, offering an average salary of $85,300. L3Harris and STROHWIG INDUSTRIES also provide excellent compensation packages, with average salaries reaching $84,532 and $82,821, respectively. Other notable companies include Modus Advanced and Rocket Lab USA, which offer competitive wages to attract skilled machinists.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, highlighting CTR Group with the highest at $85,300 and BWX Technologies with the lowest at $72,970.
  1. CTR Group
    Average Salary: $85,300
    CTR Group offers CNC Machinist jobs with a strong focus on manufacturing and technology. This company operates across various locations, providing dynamic work environments. CNC Machinists here work on advanced projects, contributing to innovations in aerospace and defense sectors.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $84,532
    L3Harris provides CNC Machinist positions with a reputation for excellence in aerospace and defense. This company works in many locations, offering job seekers diverse opportunities. CNC Machinists at L3Harris engage in creating high-quality components for critical systems.


  3. STROHWIG INDUSTRIES
    Average Salary: $82,821
    STROHWIG INDUSTRIES offers CNC Machinist roles with a commitment to quality and innovation. This company operates in multiple locations, providing a robust platform for growth. CNC Machinists here are involved in manufacturing precision parts for various industries.


  4. Modus Advanced
    Average Salary: $77,708
    Modus Advanced provides CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on advanced manufacturing. This company has locations across various regions, offering dynamic career opportunities. CNC Machinists at Modus Advanced work on cutting-edge projects, producing high-precision components.


  5. Rocket Lab USA
    Average Salary: $77,275
    Rocket Lab USA offers CNC Machinist positions with a focus on aerospace innovation. This company operates in several locations, providing a chance to work on exciting projects. CNC Machinists here are part of a team that develops critical components for space missions.


  6. Toolcraft Machining
    Average Salary: $75,500
    Toolcraft Machining offers CNC Machinist jobs with a strong emphasis on precision and craftsmanship. This company has locations in key areas, providing diverse opportunities. CNC Machinists here create high-quality parts for a variety of applications.


  7. Kratos Defense
    Average Salary: $75,458
    Kratos Defense provides CNC Machinist roles with a focus on defense and aerospace. This company operates in multiple locations, offering a chance to work on important projects. CNC Machinists at Kratos Defense contribute to the production of critical defense components.


  8. Blue Origin
    Average Salary: $74,919
    Blue Origin offers CNC Machinist positions with a focus on space exploration. This company operates in various locations, providing a unique chance to work on pioneering projects. CNC Machinists here are part of a team developing components for space technology.


  9. Keysight Technologies
    Average Salary: $74,707
    Keysight Technologies provides CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on electronics and measurement. This company operates in multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities. CNC Machinists here work on creating precision parts for high-tech instruments.


  10. BWX Technologies
    Average Salary: $72,970
    BWX Technologies offers CNC Machinist roles with a focus on nuclear energy and defense. This company operates in key locations, providing a chance to work on significant projects. CNC Machinists at BWX Technologies contribute to the production of critical components for various sectors.

How to earn more as a CNC Machinist?

Becoming a CNC machinist offers various pathways to increase earnings. Experience and skills can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Seeking out opportunities for continuous learning and certification can help achieve this goal. A focus on gaining expertise in specialized areas of CNC machining can also lead to more lucrative positions.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Gain Experience: More experience often leads to higher wages. Working in different industries can provide a broader skill set.
  2. Get Certified: Certifications in CNC machining can boost earning potential. They demonstrate a higher level of skill and knowledge.
  3. Specialize: Focusing on a niche within CNC machining can make a machinist more valuable. This can include areas like medical devices or aerospace components.
  4. Seek Advanced Roles: Moving into roles such as programming, inspection, or teaching can lead to higher pay. These positions often require more responsibility and expertise.
  5. Network: Building connections in the industry can lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Attending trade shows and joining professional associations can be beneficial.

Currently 2,756 CNC Machinist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a CNC Machinist in the US?

Learn what a CNC Machinist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a CNC Machinist today.
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CNC Machinist
2,756 Job Openings