CNC Machinist Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
CNC Machinist Technology is a hands-on, industry-aligned program designed to equip students with the technical expertise and practical skills needed to operate, maintain, and program computer numerical control (CNC) machinery in modern manufacturing environments. Graduates emerge as proficient technicians capable of interpreting engineering drawings, setting up precision equipment, and ensuring high-quality production across diverse industrial sectors.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Learn to generate toolpaths and machine code using industry-standard software to automate machining processes with precision and efficiency.
- Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing: Develop the ability to interpret complex engineering schematics, dimensioning standards, and geometric tolerances to guide accurate part production.
- Machining Processes and Tooling: Gain in-depth knowledge of milling, turning, drilling, and grinding operations, including selection and application of cutting tools, fixtures, and workholding methods.
- CNC Programming and Setup: Master both manual and automated programming techniques using G-code and M-code, with emphasis on optimizing machine performance and minimizing material waste.
- Quality Assurance and Metrology: Apply measurement techniques and inspection tools—such as calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)—to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance with specifications.
- Machine Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Acquire skills in preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of CNC systems to ensure operational reliability and reduce downtime.
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 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 585,460 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 33-1012 | $105,980 | $62,370 - $165,050 | 153,130 | $50.95 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers 33-1011 | $76,310 | $50,340 - $125,170 | 53,390 | $36.69 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1111 | $71,470 | $45,640 - $143,130 | 13,560 | N/A |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers 33-3012 | $57,970 | $41,750 - $93,000 | 365,380 | $27.87 |
Salary Comparison
CNC Machinist Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,478 in Arkansas to $130,550 in California—a 149% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 585,460 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 Rio Salado College (1,286 graduates), Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) (684 graduates), Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) (370 graduates), Tallahassee Community College (TCC) (165 graduates), and Camden County College (CCC) (145 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,894 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.
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. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn a median of $105,980 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers earn around $76,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $130,550 compared to $52,478 in Arkansas. Approximately 585,460 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 144 accredited institutions offer CNC Machinist Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rio Salado College (1,286 graduates), Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) (684 graduates), and Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) (370 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 4,314 in 2010 to 4,967 in 2023-24. This represents a 15% 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 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers, and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 585,460 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.
Related Security & Safety Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Security & Safety field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 43.0100 - 43.0199.
Criminal Justice Administration
A program that prepares individuals to apply theories and practices of organization management and criminal justice to the administration of public law enforcement...
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
A program that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Includes instruction...
Criminal Justice and Police Science
A program that prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd...
Security and Loss Prevention
A program that prepares individuals to perform routine inspection, patrol and crime prevention services for private clients. Includes instruction in the provision of...
Juvenile Corrections
A program that prepares individuals to specialize in the provision of correction services to underage minor populations. Includes instruction in corrections, juvenile delinquency,...
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.