Best institutions to study 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.
166 U.S. institutions graduated 2,248 Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 48.0510, a specialization of Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05), and leads most directly to the Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators occupation (BLS SOC 51-9161).
About Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist programs
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.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist program prepares individuals to operate CNC machine tools, such as lathes and mills, for precision metal working. This program is ideal for those interested in applying technical skills to produce and finish products and component parts with accuracy and efficiency.
Students will gain knowledge in CNC terminology, setup, programming, and operations, along with skills in blueprint reading, technical mathematics, and computer literacy. Coursework also covers shop safety practices and the use of CAD/CAM systems.
Credentials awarded
What Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,051 graduates / yr · 98 institutions47%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years719 graduates / yr · 81 institutions32%
- Associate's degree294 graduates / yr · 58 institutions13%
- Award of less than 12 weeks115 graduates / yr · 4 institutions5.1%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years69 graduates / yr · 8 institutions3.1%
Graduates over time
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 458 |
| 2013 | 950 |
| 2014 | 1,181 |
| 2015 | 1,322 |
| 2016 | 1,424 |
| 2017 | 1,799 |
| 2018 | 1,651 |
| 2019 | 1,935 |
| 2020 | 2,085 |
| 2021 | 2,688 |
| 2022 | 2,274 |
| 2023 | 2,267 |
| 2024 | 2,172 |
| 2025 | 2,248 |
Top 50 institutions for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College Chicago, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 144 | 27% | — | — |
| 2 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 135 | 24% | — | $41,378 |
| 3 | City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College Chicago, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 112 | 31% | — | — |
| 4 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 102 | 51% | — | $38,659 |
| 5 | Davidson - Davie Community College Thomasville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 64 | 46% | — | $39,990 |
| 6 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 54 | 42% | — | $52,456 |
| 7 | Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 54 | 58% | — | $41,073 |
| 8 | Lincoln College of Technology - Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 49 | 73% | $31,422 | $37,249 |
| 9 | Universal Technical Institute - Mooresville Mooresville, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 65% | $25,348 | $37,568 |
| 10 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 46 | 27% | — | $24,265 |
| 11 | Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, IAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 38 | 43% | — | $45,509 |
| 12 | University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Fort Smith, ARPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 36 | 38% | — | — |
| 13 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 34 | 66% | — | $49,632 |
| 14 | Randolph Community College Asheboro, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 34 | 58% | — | — |
| 15 | Tri - County Technical College Pendleton, SCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 42% | — | — |
| 16 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 32 | 43% | — | $48,114 |
| 17 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Mahwah Mahwah, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 32 | 79% | $29,877 | $37,249 |
| 18 | William Rainey Harper College Palatine, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 48% | — | — |
| 19 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 38% | — | — |
| 20 | Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MNPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 28 | 40% | — | $50,842 |
| 21 | Wayne Community College Goldsboro, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 27 | 49% | — | — |
| 22 | West Georgia Technical College Waco, GAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 26 | 35% | — | — |
| 23 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred Alfred, NYPublicAssociate's | 26 | 55% | — | $42,739 |
| 24 | Gordon Cooper Technology Center Shawnee, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 23 | 90% | — | $39,018 |
| 25 | Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 22 | 30% | — | — |
| 26 | Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 38% | — | — |
| 27 | Craven Community College New Bern, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 48% | — | — |
| 28 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 21 | 43% | — | $38,002 |
| 29 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 35% | — | $34,125 |
| 30 | Lincoln College of Technology - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 57% | $30,992 | $37,249 |
| 31 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 47% | — | $56,811 |
| 32 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 81% | — | $28,983 |
| 33 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 19 | 25% | — | — |
| 34 | Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 24% | — | — |
| 35 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 18 | 41% | — | — |
| 36 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 40% | — | $41,767 |
| 37 | Surry Community College Dobson, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 6% | — | — |
| 38 | Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 41% | — | — |
| 39 | Pensacola State College Pensacola, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 36% | — | — |
| 40 | Savannah Technical College Savannah, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 16 | 42% | — | $41,604 |
| 41 | Lanier Technical College Gainesville, GAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 34% | — | $28,890 |
| 42 | South Central College North Mankato, MNPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 39% | — | $41,527 |
| 43 | Asheville - Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 15 | 40% | — | $37,078 |
| 44 | Cleveland Community College Shelby, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 32% | — | — |
| 45 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 34% | — | — |
| 46 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 14 | 20% | — | $44,635 |
| 47 | Rowan - Cabarrus Community College Salisbury, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 35% | — | — |
| 48 | Community College of Rhode Island Warwick, RIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 26% | — | — |
| 49 | Eastern Iowa Community College District Davenport, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 45% | — | — |
| 50 | College of the Albemarle Elizabeth City, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 35% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Precision Metal Working field (CIP 48.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 36 states
Where Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist graduates come from. Each state links to all Precision Metal Working programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-9161, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators or Programmers. While the job outlook shows a decline of 10.7%, there are approximately 13,500 annual openings, with a median wage of $49,970. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry into these roles.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 48.0510
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operatorsprimary SOC 51-9161 | $50,690 | -10.7% Decline | ~13,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers SOC 51-9162 | $68,120 | +12.8% Much faster than average | ~3,100 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
Tools and technology used
Other Precision Metal Working specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05).
- Welding Technology/CIP 48.0508
Welder 64,198 graduates / yr911 institutions - Machine Tool Technology/CIP 48.0501
Machinist 3,489 graduates / yr228 institutions - Machine Shop Technology/CIP 48.0503
Assistant 1,542 graduates / yr87 institutions - Metal FabricatorCIP 48.0511588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Tool and Die Technology/CIP 48.0507
Technician 423 graduates / yr35 institutions - Sheet Metal Technology/CIP 48.0506
Sheetworking 415 graduates / yr18 institutions - Precision Metal WorkingCIP 48.0599296 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Ironworking/CIP 48.0509
Ironworker limited data102 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What is CNC Machinist Technology?+
It is a program that trains individuals to operate CNC machine tools for precision metal working.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn CNC operations, blueprint reading, technical mathematics, and safety practices.
What careers can I pursue?+
You can work as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator or Programmer.
What is the job outlook for CNC machinists?+
The job outlook is declining at 10.7%, but there are still about 13,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist?+
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist is CIP 48.0510 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05). NCES defines it as: 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.
How many institutions offer Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist programs?+
166 U.S. institutions reported Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 36 states, awarding 2,248 credentials in the year. That is 3.1% of all Precision Metal Working graduates.
How much do Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators occupation, which Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist most directly leads to, pays a median of $50,690 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Precision Metal Working field report median earnings of $41,132 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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