CNC Machinist / Machinist Technician
Also posted as Also posted as: CNC Machinist, Machinist, CNC Setup Machinist
A CNC machinist / machinist technician sets up and operates CNC machines that cut metal parts to tight tolerances, reading prints, dialing in offsets, and verifying parts with precision instruments. It's a hands-on job in machine shops and production plants, and most people start with a certificate or short, hands-on training program, not a four-year degree.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Set up CNC machines
Load programs, fixtures, and tooling and dial in offsets for first-part success.
Machine to tolerance
Run parts to spec, monitoring quality and tool wear throughout.
Inspect precision parts
Verify dimensions with micrometers, gauges, and CMM checks.
Read prints and GD&T
Work from technical drawings and tolerancing to produce exactly what is designed.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
CNC
Setting up and operating computer-controlled machines that cut parts to tight tolerances.
Tooling
Selecting, setting, and maintaining the tooling that machines depend on.
GD&T
Applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to verify parts meet design intent.
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