by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist involves the study of Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills To Operate Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machine Tools, Such As Lathes, Mills, Precision Measuring Tools, And Related Attachments And Accessories, To Perform Machining Functions, Such As Cutting, Drilling, Shaping, And Finishing Products And Component Parts. Includes Instruction In Cnc Terminology, Setup, Programming, Operations, And Troubleshooting; Blueprint Reading; Machining; Lathe And Mill Operations; Technical Mathematics; Computer Literacy; Cad/cam Systems; Shop And Safety Practices; Equipment Capabilities; And Regulations And Laws. Continue reading for the key facts every computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist programs.
Across the country, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist is a popular field of study, with 2,174 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools ranking analyzes these 159 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist programs later in this article.
Coursework for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 745 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 264 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,079 |
People currently working in careers related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 40.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 26.0% |
| Some college courses | 18.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.8% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist opens doors to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | 255,758 | 10.8% |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 248,570 | -2.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,800 |
| 4 years | $39,416 |
| 5 years | $44,203 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | $60,584 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $33,378 |
With 159 different computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist school rankings to help you.
Those considering computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder | 57,768 |
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist | 3,539 |
| Machine Shop Technology/Assistant | 1,634 |
| Metal Fabricator | 552 |
| Tool and Die Technology/Technician | 509 |
| Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking | 386 |
| Precision Metal Working, Other | 340 |
| Ironworking/Ironworker | 161 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
