CNC Machinist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a CNC Machinist

Best Schools to become a CNC Machinist in U.S. 2024

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705

NTMA Training Centers of Southern California

Santa Fe Springs, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:77%
Total Enrollment:98

Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:4,621

Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Wichita, KS

In-State Tuition:$4,311
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,174
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:30%
Total Enrollment:5,021

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE

In-State Tuition:$2,820
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,230
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:6,519

Amarillo College

Amarillo, TX

In-State Tuition:$1,128
Out-of-State Tuition:$2,664
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:28%
Total Enrollment:8,988
CNC Machinist Job Description:
  • Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a CNC Machinist

Job Duties for CNC Machinists

  • Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.

  • Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.

  • Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.

Technologies and Skills Used by CNC Machinists

Industrial control software

  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • Computer numerical control CNC editor software

Inventory management software

  • Inventory tracking software

Object or component oriented development software

  • G-code
  • M-code

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a CNC Machinist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a CNC Machinist

FAQs About Becoming a CNC Machinist