CNC Operator Overview
Required Education and Training To Become a CNC Operator
Best Schools to become a CNC Operator in U.S. 2024
John C Calhoun State Community College
In-State Tuition:$3,750
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,500
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:36%
Total Enrollment:8,163
Ivy Tech Community College
In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705
Texas A & M University-College Station
In-State Tuition:$8,815
Out-of-State Tuition:$36,239
Admission Rate:63%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:74,014
NTMA Training Centers of Southern California
In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:77%
Total Enrollment:98
Owensboro Community and Technical College
In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:4,621
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
In-State Tuition:$6,418
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,356
Admission Rate:85%
Graduation Rate:61%
Total Enrollment:6,486
CNC Operator Job Description:
- Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal.
- Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments.
- May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Required Skills and Competencies To Become a CNC Operator
Job Duties for CNC Operators
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Technologies and Skills Used by CNC Operators
Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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