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Avg. salary range
$57k–$64k
across regions
Hours / Day
10
Days / Week
5
working days
About this career
A CNC Operator is a skilled professional who works with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines to create parts and products out of materials like metal, plastic, or wood. These machines follow specific computer instructions to cut, shape, and form materials with incredible precision, making everything from car parts to intricate tools. A CNC Operator's job is to set up the machines, load the materials, and make sure the computer program runs correctly to produce the desired shapes. You also monitor the process, making adjustments if needed, and inspect the finished products to ensure they meet exact specifications. CNC Operators play a key role in manufacturing, using technology to turn designs into real, usable objects with accuracy and efficiency.
Career Level
Where you could work
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What you'll need
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Strength/ Dexterity
Are you able to lift a moderate amount of weight without any issue? Can you stand or walk for an extended period of time?
Attention To Detail
Do you often notice things that other people miss? Are you able to complete a project with few or no mistakes?
Math
Do you have a good sense of numbers? Are you easily able to recognize patterns? Can you easily do basic calculations?
Quality Control
Are you good at responding to feedback? Are you able to repeat a task with consistent results?
Education & Training
Associate's Degree
An associate's degree is the shortest post-secondary degree. Increasingly, people are turning to associate's as a quicker, less expensive route to career change than the traditional bachelor's or four-year degree. Associate's degrees usually take between two and three years to complete.
Compensation
North Central
Washington
Low
$49,600
Average
$57,200
High
$63,500
Washington minimum wage
Salary data reflects regional averages and may vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Work Schedule
Shift cycle
5 on · 2 off per cycle
Typical shifts are 10 hours long but times vary. Shifts are usually Monday through Friday.
Where do we get our data?
Our career data is based on regional averages provided by the Spokane Workforce Council. Data is subject to change based on location, job specialty, experience level, and/or union association.
How does it compare?
Average Salary
$59,633
Overall Rank
148th
out of 199 careers
In Manufacturing & Aerospace
10th
out of 18 careers
Salary distribution
Rankings are based on average salary data across all careers in our database. Individual earnings may vary.
See it in action
