CNC Machinist Salary, Degree ROI & Career Outlook
CNC Machinist earns a $50,200 median salary, starts around $34,000, can reach $68,000, and has -3% projected job growth. Compare education requirements, salary upside, skills, employers, and degree ROI signals.
Reviewed June 12, 2026. DegreeCalc calculators are educational planning tools; verify final tuition, aid, transcript, loan, and employment decisions with official school, federal, servicer, or employer records.
Quick answer
CNC Machinist pays a median salary of $50,200 in the United States, with entry roles around $34,000 and senior roles around $68,000. The role has -3% projected growth and typically requires High School Diploma + Technical Training or Apprenticeship. Use the salary estimator and ROI snapshot below to judge whether the education path is worth the cost.
Choose your next step
Career ROI snapshot
CNC Machinist Pay, Growth & Education Fit
CNC Machinist has a $50,200 median salary, $34,000 entry-level salary, and $68,000 senior salary. Compared with other Trades & Skilled Labor careers in this database, the median salary is below the category average by -21%, while projected growth is below the peer average by 11.9 percentage points.
Vs. category salary
-21%
peer avg $63,548
Growth spread
-11.9 pts
category avg 8.9%
Senior upside
+100%
senior vs entry pay
Monthly median
$4,183
before taxes and benefits
| Decision factor | CNC Machinist signal | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Education investment | High School Diploma + Technical Training or Apprenticeship | Compare tuition, time to credential, and required internships against the entry-level salary. |
| Income runway | $34,000 entry to $68,000 senior | Use the salary range to estimate payback time and whether graduate school or certification is justified. |
| Demand risk | -3% projected growth, slower than average outlook | Higher growth gives more room for career switching; slower growth makes specialization and networking more important. |
| Skill leverage | CNC Programming, G-Code, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement | Prioritize projects, certificates, or coursework that prove these skills before graduation. |
Salary Estimator
Salary Range
Key Skills
Recommended Certifications
- 1NIMS CNC Certification
- 2Mastercam Certification
Top Employers
Education Path
To pursue a career as a CNC Machinist, you will typically need: High School Diploma + Technical Training or Apprenticeship.
While job growth is declining, skilled professionals continue to find opportunities. Specialization and certifications can improve prospects.
Data Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–2025 edition). Job growth projections are 10-year estimates (2023–2033). Last updated March 2026.
Methodology & Career Data Sources
How we calculate CNC Machinist salary and outlook data: Our salary estimates, growth projections, and career outlook combine multiple federal labor datasets. Salary figures reflect national medians; actual pay varies by employer, location, specialization, and experience level.
- Salary data sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the authoritative federal survey of employment and wages across 800+ occupations.
- Job growth projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), covering 10-year projections (2023–2033 base period) for all major occupations.
- Salary progression model combines OEWS percentile data (P10, P25, P50, P75, P90) with career-stage adjustments based on BLS Employment Cost Index trends.
- Education requirements cross-referenced with College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) earnings data for graduates in this field.
- Certification value assessed using O*NET occupational database (US Dept of Labor), which catalogs skills, abilities, and knowledge requirements per occupation.
Authoritative US labor and career data sources:
- BLS OEWS — Occupational Employment and Wages — median salary by occupation
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — job growth and career outlook 2023–2033
- O*NET Online (US Dept of Labor) — skills, education, and knowledge requirements
- College Scorecard — earnings outcomes by field of study and institution
- BLS Employment Cost Index (ECI) — wage growth trends by industry sector
- DOL Registered Apprenticeships — alternative credentialing pathways
Career Disclaimer: Salary figures represent national medians from the most recent BLS OEWS survey. Actual compensation varies significantly by employer, metropolitan area, industry sector, and individual experience. Growth projections are estimates and subject to economic conditions. Use this data as one input alongside current job listings and informational interviews.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS OEWS & OOH data current as of 2024–2025 edition
Plan Your Education Investment
Calculate the ROI of your degree and find the best college for your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a CNC Machinist?
The median salary for a CNC Machinist is $50,200 per year. Entry-level positions start around $34,000, while senior roles can earn up to $68,000.
What education do you need to become a CNC Machinist?
To become a CNC Machinist, you typically need a High School Diploma + Technical Training or Apprenticeship. Relevant certifications include NIMS CNC Certification, Mastercam Certification.
What is the job outlook for CNC Machinist?
The job outlook for CNC Machinist is slower than average, with a projected growth rate of -3% over the next decade.
What skills do you need to be a CNC Machinist?
Key skills for a CNC Machinist include CNC Programming, G-Code, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, CAM Software. Continuous learning and professional development are also important.
Where do CNC Machinists work?
CNC Machinists typically work in factory/machine shop settings. Top employers include General Electric, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Precision Castparts.
Is CNC Machinist a good career in 2026?
CNC Machinist offers stable employment with a median salary of $50,200, though growth is declining.