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Ever wonder if there was a way to make just about any part or product you want?
With computer numerical control (CNC) machines, this is possible.
CNC machinists work with CNC machinery to produce parts and tools from metal, plastic and other materials. Today’s machinists support a variety of industries, including transportation, aerospace, electronics and medical, just to name a few. They create everything from medical device implants for human bodies to tiny, intricately designed parts that power machines.
If you’re interested in becoming a CNC machinist, you probably want to know how much they make. Keep reading for our state-by-state CNC machinist salary breakdown.
How Much Do CNC Machinists Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States was $48,550 in May 2023.34 This means half of CNC machinists earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
Top 10 Annual Median Salaries for CNC Machinists
1. Washington: $65,520
Aerospace, agriculture, food manufacturing, defense, maritime, life science, global health, information and communications technology, and forestry are all industries in the state of Washington that need CNC machinists.
One of Washington’s top priorities is to drive clean technology innovation. For CNC machinists interested in making a sustainable impact with their work, Washington is a great option to consider.
2. Connecticut: $58,110
Connecticut offers a wide variety of opportunities for trained CNC machinists. Among the state’s top industries is large-scale manufacturing, as those companies benefit from Connecticut’s central location in the Northeast. This allows manufacturers to easily reach suppliers and customers throughout the U.S. and east coast of Canada.
In this state, CNC machinists have the opportunity to create anything from medical devices to parts for submarines.
3. Massachusetts: $50,670
According to U.S. News & World Report, education, health services, manufacturing and technology are prominent industries in Massachusetts. The state has become a significant manufacturer of electronic and computer products, which CNC machinists may create. There is also a great concentration of technology businesses, which rely on machinists to create core components for products and machinery.
4. Wyoming: $50,360
Mineral extraction and tourism are Wyoming’s biggest industries, according to Forbes. Oil, gas, coal, real estate, logistics and manufacturing are all economic drivers in the state. CNC machinists here work on parts that power machines and other products supporting these industries.
5. Rhode Island: $50,180
The state’s economy is based in manufacturing and transportation, with modern machinery driving these industries. With a relatively affordable cost of living and a top 10 median annual salary for CNC machinists, Rhode Island could be a great place to live and work.
6. Wisconsin: $50,020
Manufacturing is the leading industry in Wisconsin, contributing to 18.79% of the state’s total output. Top products produced in Wisconsin include food, beverage and tobacco, machinery and fabricated metal.
Machinists in the state also manufacture parts for computer and electronic products, transportation and the aerospace industries. If you’re looking for a state where you can explore a variety of different avenues as a machinist, this may be the perfect place.
7. Maine: $49,930
Fishing, manufacturing, mining and health care are just a few of the industries Maine is known for. CNC machinists have the job of producing parts and tools from a range of materials — and they could find work in the state in one of these sectors.
8. New Jersey: $49,360
Although it’s the fourth smallest state in the U.S., its manufacturing industry is big. At the heart of manufacturing operations are skilled CNC machinists. New Jersey is also known for its beautiful beaches and bustling transportation industry, which means CNC machinists can relocate near these beautiful coastlines to work for the state’s industries.
9. Maryland: $49,150
Maryland's biotechnology sector relies on CNC machinists to craft precise parts for medical and research equipment. The state also supports several aerospace and defense firms that depend on machinists to create vital components for their systems.
As a result, CNC machinists hold a critical position in Maryland's manufacturing landscape. For skilled professionals, this means a consistent flow of potential job opportunities.
10. New Hampshire: $48,920
This state is also called the Granite State because of its large mining industry — which means there’s a local demand for CNC machines and mechanics. Residents of New Hampshire enjoy picturesque small towns, no general sales tax and abundant wildlife.
FAQs
1. What is the median CNC machinist salary?
The median CNC machinist salary in the United States is approximately $44,000 per year, though this can vary based on factors such as experience, geographic location and the specific industry in which they are employed.
2. Which states pay the highest median CNC machinist salary?
CNC machinists tend to earn the highest salaries in states with a strong manufacturing presence, including Washington, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
3. Are there any opportunities for salary growth or advancement in the CNC machining field?
Opportunities for CNC machinist wage growth and advancement depend on the individual and other factors. In the CNC machining field, advancing can include CNC programming roles or moving into supervisory or management positions within manufacturing and engineering companies.77
Get CNC Machining Training at NASCAR Tech!
If you aspire to work in a competitive field with job opportunities for skilled technicians around the country, CNC machining may be for you. In this industry, machinists can combine a love of computers and technology with hands-on work and always produce something new.
A CNC machinist training program, like the one offered at NASCAR Technical Institute, can help you train for a career as a CNC machinist.85 To learn more about this 36-week program, visit our program page to request information, or call 1-800-834-7308 to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.