CNC Operators Salary
Salary data across 60 metro areas in the US & CanadaUSD & CAD
Search Jobs on IndeedAvg Median Salary
$46,617
Highest Paying City
San Francisco
$65,000
Cities Tracked
60
What Do CNC Operators Do?
CNC Operators work in manufacturing and processing facilities, operating equipment and performing tasks that transform raw materials into finished products. They ensure production quality and efficiency.
Most work in manufacturing plants and factories. The work can be repetitive and physically demanding, requiring standing for long periods and operating heavy machinery. Shift work, including nights and weekends, is common.
Key Skills for CNC Operators
Education Requirements
High school diploma; on-the-job training or technical certification
Most positions require a high school diploma with on-the-job training. Skilled trades like machinists and tool and die makers may require apprenticeships or postsecondary technical training. CNC programming roles benefit from formal certification.
Career Outlook
Employment is projected to decline slightly in some areas due to automation, though skilled positions like CNC operators and quality inspectors remain in demand.
How to Increase Your CNC Operators Salary
- 1.Earn certifications in quality control (Six Sigma, ISO standards)
- 2.Develop skills in robotics and automation technology
- 3.Pursue training in multiple production processes for versatility
- 4.Stay current with manufacturing technology and safety standards
- 5.Consider supervisory training for advancement to shift leader or manager
CNC Operators Salary by City
| City | Median | Average | Range (10th-90th) | Currency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $65,000 | $71,000 | $42,000 - $82,000 | USD | Apply |
| San Jose, CA | $65,000 | $67,000 | $42,000 - $82,000 | USD | Apply |
| Seattle, WA | $61,000 | $63,000 | $40,000 - $77,000 | USD | Apply |
| Boston, MA | $59,000 | $64,000 | $38,000 - $74,000 | USD | Apply |
| Washington DC, DC | $58,000 | $63,000 | $38,000 - $73,000 | USD | Apply |
| New York, NY | $57,000 | $60,000 | $37,000 - $72,000 | USD | Apply |
| Los Angeles, CA | $54,000 | $56,000 | $35,000 - $68,000 | USD | Apply |
| San Diego, CA | $53,000 | $58,000 | $34,000 - $67,000 | USD | Apply |
| Portland, OR | $53,000 | $54,000 | $34,000 - $67,000 | USD | Apply |
| Honolulu, HI | $53,000 | $56,000 | $34,000 - $67,000 | USD | Apply |
| Minneapolis, MN | $52,000 | $53,000 | $34,000 - $66,000 | USD | Apply |
| Austin, TX | $52,000 | $55,000 | $34,000 - $66,000 | USD | Apply |
| Philadelphia, PA | $51,000 | $57,000 | $33,000 - $64,000 | USD | Apply |
| Denver, CO | $51,000 | $53,000 | $33,000 - $64,000 | USD | Apply |
| Anchorage, AK | $51,000 | $54,000 | $33,000 - $64,000 | USD | Apply |
| Baltimore, MD | $50,000 | $55,000 | $32,000 - $63,000 | USD | Apply |
| Sacramento, CA | $50,000 | $53,000 | $32,000 - $63,000 | USD | Apply |
| Chicago, IL | $49,000 | $50,000 | $32,000 - $62,000 | USD | Apply |
| Dallas, TX | $49,000 | $51,000 | $32,000 - $62,000 | USD | Apply |
| Atlanta, GA | $49,000 | $53,000 | $32,000 - $62,000 | USD | Apply |
| Hartford, CT | $49,000 | $53,000 | $32,000 - $62,000 | USD | Apply |
| Houston, TX | $48,000 | $51,000 | $31,000 - $61,000 | USD | Apply |
| Raleigh, NC | $48,000 | $51,000 | $31,000 - $61,000 | USD | Apply |
| Phoenix, AZ | $47,000 | $48,000 | $31,000 - $59,000 | USD | Apply |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $47,000 | $49,000 | $31,000 - $59,000 | USD | Apply |
| Detroit, MI | $46,000 | $49,000 | $30,000 - $58,000 | USD | Apply |
| Charlotte, NC | $46,000 | $50,000 | $30,000 - $58,000 | USD | Apply |
| Richmond, VA | $46,000 | $50,000 | $30,000 - $58,000 | USD | Apply |
| Nashville, TN | $45,000 | $46,000 | $31,000 - $55,000 | USD | Apply |
| Columbus, OH | $45,000 | $50,000 | $31,000 - $55,000 | USD | Apply |
| Kansas City, MO | $45,000 | $48,000 | $31,000 - $55,000 | USD | Apply |
| Milwaukee, WI | $45,000 | $47,000 | $31,000 - $55,000 | USD | Apply |
| Buffalo, NY | $45,000 | $50,000 | $31,000 - $55,000 | USD | Apply |
| Miami, FL | $44,000 | $46,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Las Vegas, NV | $44,000 | $49,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Tampa, FL | $44,000 | $46,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Indianapolis, IN | $44,000 | $48,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $44,000 | $46,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Cleveland, OH | $44,000 | $46,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Cincinnati, OH | $44,000 | $47,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Jacksonville, FL | $44,000 | $49,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| New Orleans, LA | $44,000 | $48,000 | $31,000 - $54,000 | USD | Apply |
| Orlando, FL | $43,000 | $47,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | USD | Apply |
| San Antonio, TX | $43,000 | $44,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | USD | Apply |
| St. Louis, MO | $43,000 | $47,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | USD | Apply |
| Louisville, KY | $43,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | USD | Apply |
| Birmingham, AL | $43,000 | $48,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | USD | Apply |
| Toronto, ON | $43,000 | $44,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Vancouver, BC | $43,000 | $47,000 | $30,000 - $53,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Memphis, TN | $42,000 | $43,000 | $29,000 - $51,000 | USD | Apply |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $41,000 | $43,000 | $29,000 - $50,000 | USD | Apply |
| Tucson, AZ | $41,000 | $42,000 | $29,000 - $50,000 | USD | Apply |
| Ottawa, ON | $41,000 | $45,000 | $29,000 - $50,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Calgary, AB | $40,000 | $43,000 | $28,000 - $49,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Edmonton, AB | $39,000 | $40,000 | $27,000 - $48,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Hamilton, ON | $36,000 | $40,000 | $25,000 - $44,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Montreal, QC | $35,000 | $38,000 | $24,000 - $43,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Winnipeg, MB | $34,000 | $38,000 | $24,000 - $42,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Halifax, NS | $34,000 | $36,000 | $24,000 - $42,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Quebec City, QC | $33,000 | $36,000 | $23,000 - $40,000 | CAD | Apply |