CNC Machinist Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
CNC Machinist Technology equips learners with the advanced technical expertise needed to operate, program, and maintain computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery in modern manufacturing environments. This hands-on program emphasizes precision, efficiency, and compliance, preparing individuals to produce high-quality components across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment.
- CNC Programming & Operations: Master the creation and execution of machine code using G-code and M-code to control automated machining processes with high accuracy and repeatability.
- Blueprint Reading & Technical Drawing Interpretation: Develop the ability to analyze engineering drawings, understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and translate visual specifications into precise manufacturing instructions.
- Lathe and Mill Operations: Gain proficiency in operating CNC lathes for turning cylindrical parts and CNC mills for complex surface and contour machining, including multi-axis capabilities.
- Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM): Utilize industry-standard software to design parts digitally and generate optimized toolpaths for automated machining workflows.
- Technical Mathematics & Geometry: Apply algebra, trigonometry, and applied geometry to solve real-world machining problems, including setup calculations and tolerance analysis.
- Machine Setup, Calibration, and Troubleshooting: Learn to configure CNC machines, install tooling, perform calibration routines, and diagnose operational issues to minimize downtime and ensure precision.
- Shop Safety and Compliance Practices: Adhere to OSHA standards and industry best practices, ensuring safe handling of machinery, materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in high-precision environments.
- Material Science & Machining Techniques: Understand the properties of metals, plastics, and composites to select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and cooling methods for optimal results.
- Measurement and Quality Control: Use precision instruments like micrometers, calipers, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to verify part accuracy and ensure conformance to specifications.
- Industry Regulations and Equipment Capabilities: Stay informed about federal and state manufacturing standards, machine limitations, and the technical performance of modern CNC systems.
CNC Machinist Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
CNC Machinist Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with CNC Machinist Technology degrees, including Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 205,180 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 51-9162 | $65,670 | $45,760 - $97,930 | 28,230 | $31.57 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators 51-9161 | $49,970 | $37,160 - $71,160 | 176,950 | $24.02 |
CNC Machinist Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,720 in New Mexico to $93,045 in Washington—a 113% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 205,180 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for CNC Machinist Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering CNC Machinist Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in CNC Machinist Technology is found at Connecticut State Community College (CT State) (111 graduates), Gateway Technical College (94 graduates), City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J Daley College (90 graduates), Hennepin Technical College (HTC) (72 graduates), and City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College (58 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,008 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
111 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
94 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago |
Other Award
|
90 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
72 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
58 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
54 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
48 | Mooresville, North Carolina | Private | uti.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Other Award
|
45 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
41 | Goldsboro, North Carolina | Public | waynecc.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
40 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Davidson-Davie Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | Thomasville, North Carolina | Public | davidsondavie.edu |
| Randolph Community College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
38 | Asheboro, North Carolina | Public | randolph.edu |
| Hawkeye Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | Waterloo, Iowa | Public | hawkeyecollege.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
35 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAFS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
34 | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Public | uafs.edu |
| Shelton State Community College (SSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | sheltonstate.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology (LTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
28 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
27 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Other Award
|
27 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Other Award
|
26 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Anoka Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Anoka, Minnesota | Public | anokatech.edu |
| Lincoln Technical Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | Mahwah, New Jersey | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Lincoln Technical Institute (Lincoln Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
25 | East Windsor, Connecticut | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Craven Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | New Bern, North Carolina | Public | cravencc.edu |
| Johnston Community College (JCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | Smithfield, North Carolina | Public | johnstoncc.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
23 | Shawnee, Oklahoma | Public | gctech.edu |
| School of Automotive Machinists & Technology (SAM Tech) |
Other Award
|
23 | Houston, Texas | Private | samtech.edu |
| Pensacola State College (PSC) |
Other Award
|
22 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | pensacolastate.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
22 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| Front Range Community College (FRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
21 | Westminster, Colorado | Public | frontrange.edu |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
21 | Salisbury, North Carolina | Public | rccc.edu |
| Alamance Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Graham, North Carolina | Public | alamancecc.edu |
| Elgin Community College (ECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
19 | Elgin, Illinois | Public | elgin.edu |
| Kirkwood Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Public | kirkwood.edu |
| South Central College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | North Mankato, Minnesota | Public | southcentral.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Other Award
|
18 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (Alfred State) |
Associate's
|
18 | Alfred, New York | Public | alfredstate.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
18 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Rockingham Community College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Wentworth, North Carolina | Public | rockinghamcc.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Other Award
|
17 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Warwick, Rhode Island | Public | ccri.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
15 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | cfcc.edu |
| Clackamas Community College (CCC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Oregon City, Oregon | Public | clackamas.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| College of the Albemarle (COA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
14 | Elizabeth City, North Carolina | Public | albemarle.edu |
| Francis Tuttle Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | francistuttle.edu |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Other Award
|
13 | Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Public | stcc.edu |
| York Technical College (York Tech) |
Other Award
|
13 | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Public | yorktech.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) |
Residency
|
13 | Cleveland, Wisconsin | Public | gotoltc.edu |
| Miller-Motte College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Arlington, Texas | Private | stvt.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Other Award
|
12 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Flat Rock, North Carolina | Public | blueridge.edu |
| Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Durham, North Carolina | Public | durhamtech.edu |
| Gaston College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
| Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Melbourne, Florida | Public | easternflorida.edu |
| South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Olympia, Washington | Public | spscc.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | McAlester, Oklahoma | Public | ktc.edu |
| Minnesota State College Southeast |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Winona, Minnesota | Public | southeastmn.edu |
| Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Public | forsythtech.edu |
| Richmond Community College |
Other Award
|
10 | Hamlet, North Carolina | Public | richmondcc.edu |
| Clark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
10 | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Florida State College (FSCJ) |
Other Award
|
9 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | fscj.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Other Award
|
9 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Asheville, North Carolina | Public | abtech.edu |
| Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Ponca City, Oklahoma | Public | pioneertech.edu |
| Autry Technology Center (Autry Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Enid, Oklahoma | Public | autrytech.edu |
| Arkansas State University (ASUN) |
Other Award
|
9 | Newport, Arkansas | Public | asun.edu |
| Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) |
Other Award
|
8 | South Portland, Maine | Public | smccme.edu |
| Surry Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
8 | Dobson, North Carolina | Public | surry.edu |
| Great Oaks Career Campuses |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | greatoaks.com |
| Greenville Technical College (GTC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Greenville, South Carolina | Public | gvltec.edu |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Sandersville, Georgia | Public | oftc.edu |
| Green Country Technology Center (GCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | gctcok.edu |
| Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Panama City, Florida | Public | gulfcoast.edu |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
7 | Davenport, Iowa | Public | eicc.edu |
| Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Pine City, Minnesota | Public | pine.edu |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | sctcc.edu |
| Red River Technology Center (RRTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Duncan, Oklahoma | Public | rrtc.edu |
| University of Arkansas Community College (UACCB) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
6 | Batesville, Arkansas | Public | uaccb.edu |
| Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
6 | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbustech.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) |
Associate's
|
6 | Lewiston, Idaho | Public | lcsc.edu |
| Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | qcc.edu |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | minneapolis.edu |
| Ridgewater College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Willmar, Minnesota | Public | ridgewater.edu |
| Helena College University of Montana |
Associate's
|
6 | Helena, Montana | Public | helenacollege.edu |
| Montana State University (MSU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Bozeman, Montana | Public | montana.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | mctc.edu |
| Arkansas State University Mid-South |
Other Award
|
5 | West Memphis, Arkansas | Public | asumidsouth.edu |
| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
Residency
|
5 | North Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uaptc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about CNC Machinist Technology programs
How much can I earn with a CNC Machinist Technology degree?
Salaries for CNC Machinist Technology graduates vary by role and location. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earn a median of $65,670 annually, while Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators earn around $49,970. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $93,045 compared to $43,720 in New Mexico. Approximately 205,180 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest CNC Machinist Technology programs?
Currently 159 accredited institutions offer CNC Machinist Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Connecticut State Community College (CT State) (111 graduates), Gateway Technical College (94 graduates), and City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J Daley College (90 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in CNC Machinist Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 245 in 2010 to 2,174 in 2023-24. This represents a 787% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a CNC Machinist Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, . Related occupations employ approximately 205,180 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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