If You Have These 8 Skills, You Could Make $50K Per Year as a Machinist in Minnesota

Machining is a highly in-demand career path in the U.S. Around 70% of the current workforce is over the age of 45, and as senior machinists retire, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 10% increase in the number of available machinist positions by 2024 – equivalent to more than 29,000 new machinist jobs.

The barrier to entry to become a CNC Machinist is relatively low, with many (56 percent) machinists starting right out of high school. 12-18 months of on-the-job training or a 1-2 year apprenticeship are typical, although a technical degree may be required for certain jobs, such as CNC programming.

To find out more about becoming a Machinist and get a glimpse into a day in the life of a Machinist, read CNC Machinists at a Glance.

What Is the Average Salary of a CNC Machinist?

According to Indeed.com, the average hourly income for a CNC machinist in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $25,94 (Or $51,880/year), based on 151 reported salaries. This is 23 percent higher than the national average, which is $21.38, based on 12,400 reported salaries.

According to SalaryExpert.com, the average annual CNC machinist salary is $50,225 (or an hourly rate of $24).

Meanwhile, Glassdoor puts the average annual income for a CNC Machinist in Minneapolis-St. Paul at $47,632 (or $23.82/h calculated at 40hours per week, 50 weeks per year) based on 89 reported salaries.

It’s important to remember that the salary estimations given by these platforms are reliant on data from jobs listed on their platforms and anonymous reporting,

Also note that these are merely averages. That is to say that an entry-level CNC machinist may earn significantly less, while a more experienced machinist is likely to earn significantly more. For instance, according to SalaryExpert, the average salary of an entry-level CNC machinist (1-3 years experience) in Minnesota is $36,942, whereas a senior CNC machinist (8+ years) makes around $61,314 per year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average hourly wage for machinists is $22.17 (or $46,120/year).

If we take the average of these numbers, we get an average Minnesota CNC machinist salary of $49,912 per year. When we add the average yearly bonus of $1400, the average annual CNC machinist income in Minnesota is $51,312.

What Does It Take to Make It in CNC?

Machining is a growing industry that offers many exciting career opportunities. A CNC machinist uses a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine to perform precise machining techniques. The CNC machine is programmed to perform functions such as drilling, milling, grinding, cutting, or lathing to transform raw materials including metal and plastic into machined parts to specification.

CNC Machinist typically need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Most shops offer apprenticeships and on-the-job training. However, many employers prefer candidates with a formal certification such as a diploma or Associate’s Degree.

As a general rule, more technically-qualified Machinists with broader skillsets tend to earn more – which makes formal machining training a good investment in your future.

While the barrier to entry is low, CNC machine work requires technical aptitude, mathematical ability, and attention to detail. CNC Machinists who are proficient at interpreting technical blueprints and schematics are in high demand, as are skilled CNC Programmers.

Machining certifications such as those offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMs) are optional but are likely to lead to better employment opportunities.

Top Skills Needed to Become a CNC Machinist:

Below, we’ve summed up the top skills CNC Machinists need to have.

Technical and Mechanical Aptitude

CNC Machinists need to be fairly technically gifted and be comfortable working with numbers and measurements as metrology equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measurement machines are common tools on the job. CNC machines are run by computers, and the CNC operators controlling them need to understand how to use CAD/CAM.

Machinists also need a deep knowledge of the machines and tools they work with, including their design specifications, uses, maintenance and repair specifications. In addition, Machinists need to understand the raw materials, production processes, costs, and quality control mechanisms involved in their work in order to manufacture goods in the most effective way possible.

Problem Solving

Being able to troubleshoot and solve problems is a crucial skill for aspiring CNC Machinists as machinists will occasionally encounter production errors. Machine operators need to be able to monitor production quality according to specified standards and identify and resolve any problems that arise to maintain optimal output and performance.

Mathematical Ability

CNC Machinists need a basic understanding of mathematics as it applies to their work.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a crucial skill in CNC Machinists due to the importance of precision in machining. Tiny variances in measurements can drastically affect production output quality and result in costly do-overs.

Computer Literacy

Basic computer literacy is vital for all Machinists, and knowledge of software as well as hardware like circuitry, processors, chips and various electronic equipment will stand CNC Machinists in good stead. CNC Programmers need advanced knowledge of computers and programming, and learning this skill is a surefire way to improve your employment outlook and earning potential.

Blueprint Reading Ability

CNC Machinists must be able to interpret technical plans, drawings, models, and blueprints and execute instructions per specifications.

Communication

CNC Machinists need to be able to communicate clearly with supervisors, peers, and subordinates and listen, follow and issue directions, ask questions and explain situations to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Teamwork

CNC Machinists usually work as part of an industrial team and as such need to be able to successfully work as part of a team.

CNC Machinist Job Opportunities in Minnesota

Below, we’ve included several CNC job opportunities in Minnesota to give you a sense of what’s out there if you have the right skill set. Check out the links below to discover even more awesome CNC Machinist jobs.

Cnc Machine Operator – $19.64-$22.40 per hour

Company:

Daikin Applied

Location:

300 24th Street Northwest, Faribault, Minnesota

Job Description:

Set up and operate a CNC machine: punch shear, turret press, master brake press, and line shear.

Skills:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and one year operating CNC equipment.
• Need an ability to use math and read blueprints, work with source documents, and use measuring instruments.
• Also requires mechanical aptitude.

Apply here

Cnc Setup Machinist – $19-$29 per hour

Company:

Award Staffing

Location:

10700 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Job Description:

Using blueprints and drawings, mechanically install and align tools to set up CNC machines

Skills:

• Experience working with CNC machines.
• Good interpersonal communication.
• Ability to read and edit CNC programs.
• Own tools that are used for CNC setup.
• Must be reliable, motivated with a positive attitude, and able to pass a drug screen.
• Read and interpret blueprints and drawings
• Mechanically install and align tools and work holding
• Turn and bore collets and chuck jaws
• Create geometry tool offsets
• Read and edit CNC programs

CNC operator – $20+ per hour

Company:

Award Staffing

Location:

10700 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Job Description:

Operate a CNC machine working with aluminum, carbon and stainless steels in a fast-paced environment with high pressure and short deadlines.

Skills:

• Need understanding of CNC code programming.
• Need strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Ability to use micrometers, calipers, go/no-go gauges.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs regularly.
• Ability to be on your feet most of the shift.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with high pressure, short deadlines, etc.
• Interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerances.
• Use experience to work with aluminum, stainless and carbon steels.
• Maintain a favorable working relationship with Design Team, EDM and CNC Machinist Group to promote a cooperative working climate conducive to maximum productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Participate and support Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Perform work at the appropriate pace to maintain quality and productivity requirements. Create and compile necessary documents and work procedures to aid in machine set up and operation.
• Work independently with limited instruction.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Cnc Machine Operator – First Shift $15-$18 per hour. Second Shift $16-$19 per hour

Company:

K Manufacturing

Location:

18351 Territorial Road, Dayton, Minnesota

Job Description:

Operate a CNC machine to produce precision components.

Skills:

• Good interpersonal communication.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Must be reliable, motivated with a positive attitude, and able to pass a drug screen.

Additional Skills and Experience (Preferred or helpful):

• CNC machine operation or education.
• Operate machines including changing tools and making offsets
• Inspect parts using micrometers and hand gauging and adjust machines
• Record inspection and production data on routing

CNC Setup Machinist – $19-$29 per hour

Company:

Award Staffing

Location:

10700 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Job Description:

Using blueprints and drawings, mechanically install and align tools to set up CNC machines

Skills:

More CNC Machinist Jobs in Minnesota

For more CNC Machinist jobs in Minnesota, check out this jobs roundup or view our Jobs Board. For information about CNC machinist training opportunities, check out this roundup of CNC training programs and our scholarship board.