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How much does a CNC Machinist make?

The average salary for a CNC Machinist is $54,159 per year in the US.

CNC Machinists play a vital role in various industries, from manufacturing to aerospace. The salary for this profession can vary based on experience and location. An entry-level CNC Machinist can expect to earn around $35,500 a year. As experience grows, so can the salary. Skilled CNC Machinists can make between $50,000 and $60,000 annually. The top earners can make more than $75,000 per year.

Several factors can influence the salary of a CNC Machinist. These include location, company size, and the industry. Urban areas and larger companies often offer higher salaries. Experienced CNC Machinists who work in high-demand industries like aerospace might earn more. It is important for job seekers to research and understand these factors when considering job opportunities.

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What are the highest paying cities for a CNC Machinist?

San Francisco, CA, boasts the highest average salary for CNC Machinist jobs, reaching up to $76,875 per year. This makes it an attractive destination for professionals looking to maximize their earnings. Other cities with competitive salaries include New Haven, CT, and Huntsville, AL, where machinists can expect to earn between $66,206 and $69,062 annually.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $76,875 and Tuscaloosa, AL with the lowest at $61,542.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $76,875
    Working in San Francisco offers a blend of tech innovation and skilled craftsmanship. Many firms here seek skilled operators to handle advanced machinery. Companies like Tesla and various tech startups rely on precision machinists.
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  2. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $69,062
    New Haven presents a mix of historical industries and modern manufacturing. Opportunities exist for those who can handle sophisticated equipment. Local businesses benefit from skilled machinists to produce high-quality goods.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in New Haven, CT


  3. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $66,206
    In Huntsville, the aerospace and defense sectors create a demand for expert machinists. Professionals here play a key role in developing cutting-edge technologies. The presence of companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne supports skilled job seekers.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Huntsville, AL


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $66,098
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for machinists, with a focus on entertainment and automotive industries. Skilled workers can find roles in film production and car manufacturing. Companies often seek those who can deliver high precision.
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  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $64,544
    Seattle provides a tech-driven landscape where precision is crucial. The city's strong tech scene, including companies like Boeing, offers many opportunities. Professionals here create components for advanced machinery.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $64,414
    San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley, where tech innovation drives demand for precision machinists. The area's tech giants rely on skilled operators. Working here offers the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects.
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  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $62,322
    Minneapolis combines industrial heritage with modern manufacturing. The city offers roles in both automotive and medical device sectors. Companies need skilled machinists to produce high-quality parts and devices.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $61,891
    Des Moines presents a blend of agriculture and manufacturing. Opportunities exist for those who can operate advanced machinery. Local firms often require precision machinists to produce durable goods.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $61,585
    Manchester offers a mix of small businesses and larger corporations. The city's diverse industries seek skilled machinists. Companies in manufacturing and tech rely on precision work to meet high standards.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Manchester, NH


  10. Tuscaloosa, AL
    Average Salary: $61,542
    Tuscaloosa combines education and industry, creating a unique job market for machinists. The presence of the University of Alabama fosters a skilled workforce. Local businesses seek professionals who can handle sophisticated machinery.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

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

CNC Machinists can find great opportunities in companies like Comcentric, where the average salary exceeds $96,000 annually. L3Harris and STROHWIG INDUSTRIES also offer competitive pay packages, with averages above $80,000 per year. Rocket Lab USA, Exact Machine Service, Inc., and Toolcraft Machining provide solid compensation, each offering salaries close to or above $75,000 per year.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, highlighting Comcentric with the highest at $96,615 and Keysight Technologies with the lowest at $74,090.
  1. Comcentric
    Average Salary: $96,615
    Comcentric offers competitive salaries for CNC Machinist jobs. They focus on aerospace and defense. Locations include Maryland, Virginia, and California.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $85,729
    L3Harris provides CNC Machinist jobs with an average salary of $85,729. They work on cutting-edge technologies for defense and commercial markets. Locations include Florida, Texas, and Colorado.


  3. STROHWIG INDUSTRIES
    Average Salary: $81,852
    STROHWIG INDUSTRIES pays CNC Machinists around $81,852. They specialize in manufacturing for aerospace and defense. They operate in Michigan, California, and Ohio.


  4. Rocket Lab USA
    Average Salary: $78,088
    Rocket Lab USA offers CNC Machinist positions with an average salary of $78,088. They focus on aerospace. Their main locations are in Virginia and California.


  5. Exact Machine Service, Inc.
    Average Salary: $77,396
    Exact Machine Service, Inc. provides jobs for CNC Machinists with an average salary of $77,396. They offer machining services across various industries. Locations include Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania.


  6. Toolcraft Machining
    Average Salary: $75,962
    Toolcraft Machining pays CNC Machinists an average of $75,962. They are experts in precision machining. They operate in Michigan and Arizona.


  7. Kratos Defense
    Average Salary: $75,889
    Kratos Defense offers CNC Machinist jobs with an average salary of $75,889. They work in defense and security. Locations include California, Virginia, and Arizona.


  8. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $75,627
    Northrop Grumman provides CNC Machinist positions with an average salary of $75,627. They focus on aerospace and defense. Locations include California, Virginia, and Texas.


  9. Kennametal
    Average Salary: $74,586
    Kennametal offers CNC Machinist jobs with an average salary of $74,586. They provide manufacturing solutions for various industries. Locations include Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Colorado.


  10. Keysight Technologies
    Average Salary: $74,090
    Keysight Technologies pays CNC Machinists an average of $74,090. They focus on electronic measurement. Locations include California, Massachusetts, and Washington.

How to earn more as a CNC Machinist?

CNC machinists can boost their earnings by focusing on several key areas. By investing in further education and certifications, machinists can open up higher-paying opportunities. Advanced training in software, programming, or specific machinery can set a machinist apart and lead to more lucrative roles. Staying current with the latest technologies and techniques also helps in enhancing job performance and increasing value to employers.

Gaining experience and mastering new skills can lead to promotions or higher-paying positions. Networking within the industry can provide job seekers with insider information about better-paying jobs. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can lead to new opportunities. Additionally, seeking positions in high-demand sectors, such as aerospace or medical device manufacturing, can lead to higher salaries. Taking on roles that require additional responsibilities, such as supervising other machinists or overseeing projects, can also lead to increased earnings. Building a strong portfolio showcasing completed projects and skills can further enhance a machinist's ability to command higher pay.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a CNC machinist:

  1. Certifications and Training: Invest in further education to gain advanced certifications and skills.
  2. Experience and Specialization: Gain experience and master new skills to increase job performance and value.
  3. Networking: Connect with industry professionals to learn about better-paying job opportunities.
  4. Industry Demand: Seek jobs in high-demand sectors to access higher salaries.
  5. Leadership Roles: Take on roles that offer additional responsibilities and higher pay.

Currently 2,997 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
2,997 Job Openings