CNC Machinist Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a CNC Machinist make?

The average salary for a CNC Machinist is $52,607 per year in the US.

A CNC Machinist uses computer-controlled machines to create metal parts. This skilled job pays well. On average, a CNC Machinist makes about $52,607 a year. This is a good salary for many people.

The pay for a CNC Machinist can vary. Some earn less, while others earn more. Here are the salary ranges for different levels of experience:

  • Entry-level: $35,000 to $38,727
  • Mid-level: $42,455 to $49,909
  • Senior-level: $53,636 to $76,000

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What are the highest paying cities for a CNC Machinist?

Job seekers looking for CNC Machinist roles can find high salaries in several cities. San Francisco, CA, offers the highest pay at $72,300 annually. Other top-paying cities include Huntsville, AL, and San Jose, CA, with salaries around $65,000 and $63,000, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for CNC Machinists to earn competitive wages. Los Angeles, CA, and Seattle, WA, also offer salaries above $60,000. Minneapolis, MN, and Birmingham, AL, follow closely behind with salaries around $61,000. These locations present attractive options for those seeking both high pay and professional growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $72,300 and Springfield, MA with the lowest at $57,827.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $72,300
    In San Francisco, skilled machinists work with cutting-edge technology in a thriving tech hub. Companies like Tesla and Oracle offer exciting opportunities. The city's dynamic environment provides a perfect blend of innovation and tradition.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $65,028
    Huntsville, known as Rocket City, offers machinists a chance to work in aerospace and defense. Companies such as NASA and Lockheed Martin provide a stable and rewarding career path. The community values skilled tradespeople, making it a great place to build a career.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Huntsville, AL


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $63,442
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hotspot for machinists. Tech giants like Apple and Intel need skilled professionals. The city's vibrant tech scene offers many chances for growth and development.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $62,386
    Los Angeles provides a diverse job market for machinists. The entertainment industry and aerospace sector offer many opportunities. Companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman are always looking for skilled machinists.
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  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $61,846
    Seattle's booming tech industry offers machinists a variety of job opportunities. Companies such as Amazon and Microsoft need skilled professionals. The city's innovative spirit makes it an exciting place to work.
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  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $61,782
    San Diego offers a mix of military and tech opportunities for machinists. Companies like General Dynamics and Qualcomm need skilled tradespeople. The city's beautiful weather and quality of life make it an attractive place to work.
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  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $61,150
    Minneapolis provides a strong job market for machinists. The city's diverse industries, including healthcare and finance, offer many opportunities. Companies like 3M and Medtronic need skilled professionals.
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  8. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $58,070
    Birmingham offers a growing job market for machinists. The city's automotive industry, including companies like Mercedes-Benz and Honda, provides many opportunities. Birmingham's welcoming community makes it a great place to build a career.
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  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $57,894
    Sacramento offers a stable job market for machinists. The state government and agricultural sector provide many opportunities. Companies like Blue Shield of California and various agricultural firms need skilled professionals.
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  10. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $57,827
    Springfield offers a mix of manufacturing and healthcare opportunities for machinists. Companies like MassMutual and Smith & Wesson need skilled tradespeople. The city's rich history and community spirit make it a great place to work.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Springfield, MA

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

Madicorp offers one of the highest salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, with an average of $101,263. Lean Manufacturing and Savard Labor & Marine Staffing also provide competitive pay, with averages around $100,000. L3Harris, Universal Technical Resource Services, INC., and Kratos Defense follow closely, ensuring job seekers find good compensation in these companies.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for CNC Machinist jobs, highlighting Madicorp with the highest at $101,263 and BAE Systems USA with the lowest at $73,690.
  1. Madicorp
    Average Salary: $101,263
    Madicorp offers CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on Lean Manufacturing. They operate in various locations, providing opportunities for skilled professionals. Their commitment to quality and efficiency makes them a top choice for CNC Machinists.


  2. Lean Manufacturing
    Average Salary: $100,333
    Lean Manufacturing specializes in CNC Machinist roles. They have multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities for growth. Their dedication to lean principles ensures a dynamic and rewarding work environment.


  3. Savard Labor & Marine Staffing
    Average Salary: $98,111
    Savard Labor & Marine Staffing provides CNC Machinist jobs with competitive salaries. They operate in various regions, giving candidates a chance to work in different settings. Their focus on staffing excellence makes them a reliable employer.


  4. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $89,011
    L3Harris offers CNC Machinist positions with a strong emphasis on innovation. They have locations across the country, providing a wide range of opportunities. Their commitment to technology and excellence attracts skilled professionals.


  5. Universal Technical Resource Services, INC.
    Average Salary: $78,000
    Universal Technical Resource Services, INC. offers CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on technical expertise. They operate in several locations, providing a variety of opportunities. Their dedication to training and development makes them a great place to work.


  6. Kratos Defense
    Average Salary: $76,071
    Kratos Defense provides CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on defense technology. They have multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities. Their commitment to innovation and quality makes them a top employer.


  7. Keysight Technologies
    Average Salary: $74,482
    Keysight Technologies offers CNC Machinist positions with a focus on technology and innovation. They operate in various locations, providing a range of opportunities. Their dedication to excellence makes them a great choice for professionals.


  8. BWX Technologies
    Average Salary: $73,909
    BWX Technologies provides CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on technology and innovation. They have locations across the country, offering diverse opportunities. Their commitment to quality and safety makes them a reliable employer.


  9. Exact Machine Service, Inc.
    Average Salary: $73,750
    Exact Machine Service, Inc. offers CNC Machinist positions with a focus on precision and quality. They operate in various locations, providing a range of opportunities. Their dedication to excellence makes them a top choice for professionals.


  10. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $73,690
    BAE Systems USA provides CNC Machinist jobs with a focus on technology and innovation. They have multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities. Their commitment to excellence and safety makes them a great place to work.

How to earn more as a CNC Machinist?

A CNC machinist can increase earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in CNC machining can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializing in advanced techniques or specific industries can make a machinist more valuable. Networking with professionals in the industry can open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs. Continuing education and certifications can also boost earning potential. Staying updated with the latest technology and software in CNC machining can make a machinist more efficient and productive.

Here are five factors that can help a CNC machinist earn more:

  1. Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher-paying jobs. Working on complex projects and mastering advanced techniques can make a machinist more valuable.
  2. Specialization: Specializing in a specific area can increase earning potential. This could mean focusing on a particular industry or mastering a specific type of CNC machining.
  3. Networking: Building a professional network can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attending industry events and connecting with other professionals can be beneficial.
  4. Education: Continuing education and obtaining certifications can lead to higher-paying jobs. This could include courses in advanced CNC techniques or software.
  5. Technology: Staying updated with the latest technology and software can improve efficiency and productivity. This can lead to higher earnings and more job opportunities.

Currently 2,979 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.
Position
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CNC Machinist
2,979 Job Openings