CNC Milling Machine Operator Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a CNC Milling Machine Operator

Best Schools to become a CNC Milling Machine Operator in U.S. 2024

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

In-State Tuition:$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition:$28,520
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:51,528

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

CUNY New York City College of Technology

Brooklyn, NY

In-State Tuition:$6,930
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,880
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:21%
Total Enrollment:13,087

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

In-State Tuition:$13,608
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,608
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:10,072

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
CNC Milling Machine Operator Job Description:
  • Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials.
  • May also set up and maintain equipment.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a CNC Milling Machine Operator

Job Duties for CNC Milling Machine Operators

  • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.

  • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.

  • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.

Technologies and Skills Used by CNC Milling Machine Operators

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Vero International VISI-Series

Video conferencing software

  • FaceTime

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

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

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a CNC Milling Machine Operator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a CNC Milling Machine Operator

FAQs About Becoming a CNC Milling Machine Operator