by 
If you’re interested in a CNC machinist career in Utah but are unsure about the role and its demands, you’ve come to the right spot!
I’ll walk you through everything from grasping CNC machining fundamentals to gaining the needed education and hands-on experience.
By the end, you’ll grasp what it entails to thrive as a CNC machinist and how to launch your career in Utah.
Let’s get started!
Article Table of Contents
CNC Machinist Job Description
Understanding CNC is crucial as it’s the foundation.
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, where machine tools are automated through computer programming.
CNC machinists handle equipment like lathes, mills, and grinders to precisely cut and shape materials like metals and plastics.
Tasks include machine setup, program development, and adjusting settings.
They interpret blueprints and adhere to guidelines to ensure quality parts.
Attention to detail, technical know-how, and understanding of machining processes are key in this role.
CNC Machinist Job Requirements
For a CNC machinist career in Utah, you must ensure you meet these job requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above
- Obtain a Degree or Certification
- Gain Practical Experience
- Develop Crucial Skills
Depending on the employer, other prerequisites might be added.
Becoming a CNC Machinist in Utah
Securing a job, like any profession, requires specific steps.
Easily uncover these steps by reading the information below.
Step 1 – Education
Finish high school and earn your diploma, providing a foundational qualification for further education.
Pursue a degree or certification in CNC machining through technical schools or vocational training programs.
Develop crucial skills like:
- Attention to detail,
- Math proficiency,
- Problem-solving,
- Mechanical aptitude,
- Computer familiarity
Step 2 – Experience
Acquire practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles in machining workshops or manufacturing facilities.
Hands-on exposure is invaluable for mastering the skills necessary for a CNC machinist.
Step 3 – Earn The NIMS Certification
Begin by obtaining NIMS certification, a crucial step.
This credential remains valid indefinitely, according to NIMS FAQ.
The exam is complimentary, a convenient perk.
Accessible online, it allows for retakes if needed.
Earning this certification significantly boosts job prospects.
Step 4 – Apply for a Job
After finishing your apprenticeship, you’re ready to begin your job search.
You have options, such as seeking help from your training institution or conducting an independent search.
Thankfully, many companies in Utah are actively hiring machinists.
CNC Machinist Training in Utah
After finishing your education, prioritizing training is essential.
Fortunately, many schools throughout the state provide CNC machinist programs.
Take the opportunity to explore these options and find the program that fits your needs best.
Salt Lake Community College 
This college offers a training program for manual machinists.
At the end of the course, you’ll earn a certification of achievements.
Its duration is 450 hours.
Upon completion, you can continue your education toward an associate’s degree.
To be accepted into the program you must have a grade of:
- 8 in reading
- 7 in math
Those who didn’t obtain such grades will attend Academic Readiness courses before enrollment.
Utah State University 
The program offered by this university ends with a certificate.
Several campuses are offering this program.
You should know that the certificate is part of the Technology, Design, and Technical Education department, belonging to the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
For this certificate of completion, you’ll study:
- Manual Machining Course – 12 credits
- CNC Machining Course – 15 credits
- Math and Print Reading – 5 credits
How much you’ll pay for tuition depends on several factors, such as:
- GPA
- SAT score
- Whether or not your parents or grandparents attended this university
- Several other scores
Ogden-Weber Technical College 
This college has strict admission requirements.
Here they are:
- Accuplacer NG. 239
- Reading/English test taken in the past five years with a grade over C
An alternative is having an associate degree or higher, or a certificate completion from Otech in an equivalent level.
The program averages 17 weeks of study.
To graduate you must accumulate 25 credits.
Both high schoolers and adults can enroll in this program.
The tuition for adults is around $3,665.3 while students will pay around $165.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | 4600 South Redwood Road Salt Lake City, UT 84123 |
| Utah State University | Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College | 200 N Washington Blvd Ogden, UT 84404 |
CNC Machinist Salary in Utah
When considering a career as a CNC machinist, salary is a crucial aspect to contemplate.
In Utah, the median annual pay for CNC machinists stands at $47,940.
Your earnings can fluctuate based on factors like location, experience level, and educational background.
For a detailed breakdown of salaries in the state, please refer to the table provided below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Monticello | $51,980 |
| Cisco | $51,980 |
| Modena | $50,740 |
| Hurricane | $50,740 |
| Enterprise | $50,740 |
| Saint George | $50,740 |
| Toquerville | $50,740 |
| Peoa | $49,130 |
| Moab | $48,960 |
| Kamas | $48,780 |
Regional Salary in Utah
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan, UT-ID | 300 | $52,010 | $25 | $67,800 | $36,140 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 1,340 | $57,880 | $27.83 | $73,570 | $39,790 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 260 | $58,300 | $28.03 | $83,200 | $37,980 |
| St. George, UT | 70 | $48,520 | $23.33 | $66,900 | $35,970 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 1,200 | $58,310 | $28.03 | $77,100 | $40,930 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area of study should I focus on to become a CNC machinist in Utah?
A future CNC mechanic must be well-versed in:
- Addition,
- Subtraction,
- Multiplication,
- Division
- Fractions,
- Percentages,
- Decimals
Does the CNC machinist job have possibilities of advancing the career in Utah?
I painted the way to achieve the entry-level position of CNC Machinist I.
However, there are CNC machinists II and III, as well as other career paths that can be followed from any of these levels.
Is training mandatory in Utah for CNC machinists?
In short yes.
This is because you will work with high-precision machines.
Without proper knowledge and skills, you have a high chance of ruining the machines.
Don’t worry, there are apprenticeship programs available as well.
Here you’ll learn while working and even receive a paycheck at the end of the week.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Machinist
CNC Machinist by State