We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

CNC Machinist

Save
March 29, 2024 Updated April 1, 2025 15 minute read

Exploring a Career as a CNC Machinist

A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist is a skilled manufacturing professional who operates computer-controlled machinery to create precision parts from materials like metal, plastic, or wood. They bridge the gap between digital designs and physical objects, playing a crucial role in modern production. Using technical blueprints and specialized software, they program machines to perform complex cuts and shapes with high accuracy.

Working as a CNC machinist can be highly engaging. You'll translate complex technical drawings into tangible components used in everything from aircraft engines to medical implants. It involves a blend of computer programming, hands-on mechanical work, and meticulous quality control, offering a dynamic and challenging work environment.

Share

Help others find this career page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Salaries for CNC Machinist

City
Median
New York
$63,000
San Francisco
$93,000
Seattle
$75,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$63,000
San Francisco
$93,000
Seattle
$75,000
Austin
$58,000
Toronto
$91,000
London
£36,000
Paris
€53,000
Berlin
€53,000
Tel Aviv
₪372,000
Singapore
S$12,000
Beijing
¥142,000
Shanghai
¥135,000
Shenzhen
¥264,000
Bengalaru
₹485,000
Delhi
₹180,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to CNC Machinist

Take the first step.
We've curated 15 courses to help you on your path to CNC Machinist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This is the official training guide by CNC Software, the company behind Mastercam. It's a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of Mastercam, from basic to advanced.
Is an updated version of the previous book, covering the new features and functions of Mastercam 2023. It must-have for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest version of the software.
Provides a comprehensive overview of CNC programming, including G-code fundamentals, toolpath generation, and machine operation. It valuable resource for beginners and experienced CNC programmers alike.
Covers the basics of toolpath creation for CNC machines, including the different types of toolpaths, how to create them, and how to optimize them for different materials and cutting conditions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of CAM, including G-code fundamentals, toolpath generation, and machine operation. It valuable resource for beginners and experienced CAM users alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of CNC programming and manufacturing. It covers a wide range of topics, including G-code fundamentals, toolpath generation, and machine operation.
A practical guide to the use of CAM software for toolpath creation, covering topics such as tool selection, cutter compensation, and toolpath simulation. The authors are experts in the field of CAM and have written several books on the topic.
Provides a practical guide to CNC programming for machinists. It covers a wide range of topics, including G-code fundamentals, toolpath generation, and machine operation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of G-code for CNC machining. It covers a wide range of topics, including G-code fundamentals, toolpath generation, and machine operation.
A comprehensive textbook on the principles of CAM, including a chapter on toolpath generation. The author is an expert in the field of CAM and has written extensively on the topic.
This comprehensive textbook covers all aspects of computer-aided manufacturing, including toolpath creation, with a focus on the latest technologies and trends.
This textbook covers the basics of CNC machining, including toolpath creation, with a focus on practical applications and real-world examples.
A specialized guide to toolpath generation for additive manufacturing, covering topics such as toolpath strategies, cutter selection, and toolpath optimization. The author is an expert in the field of additive manufacturing and has written extensively on the topic.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). It covers topics such as geometric modeling, computer graphics, numerical control (NC) programming, computer-aided process planning, and computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM).
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser