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Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines and CNC machinists are at the cornerstone of the manufacturing industry.
CNC machinists are skilled professionals who operate the equipment to manufacture precision components and parts from a variety of materials.
Plastic, wood, metal, and composites are some materials that these professionals work with to produce a variety of products across many industries, including the aerospace and automotive industries.
CNC machinists learn these skills and the technical expertise that is required for reading and interpreting blueprints and translating the instructions into computer commands.
They learn the skills that are required for their job by completing a training or educational program.
Learning the costs of becoming a CNC machinist is important when deciding which program is the right one for your career goals.
How Much Does It Cost to Complete CNC Machinist Training?
CNC machinists have a vital role in the manufacturing process that involves many industries.
They perform duties that require them to have specialized skills and expertise.
It is this expertise and highly sought-after skills that make completing a training program or an educational program necessary for people who want to work in this industry.
Other costs need to be considered when preparing for a CNC machinist career.
Vocational and Trade Schools
The cost of enrolling at a vocational or trade school depends on several things.
Make sure that you understand what you will learn, if the program qualifies you to become certified, and the cost of the program.
Universal Technical Institute
The CNC Machining Technology program at Universal Technical Institute prepares students for a CNC machinist career by offering courses that give them the knowledge and technical skills that are required for the industry.
They engage in hands-on training, learning to read blueprints, gaining an understanding of CNC programming, and operating CNC machines.
Students receive a diploma when they complete the 36-week program.
The program does not list its tuition.
It instead offers site visitors the opportunity to request additional information.
NTMA Machinist Career College
The Machinist Career College offers several CNC machinist training programs, including the Entry-Level Machinist program.
The program has five modules.
Each module lasts six weeks.
Students learn basic knowledge and skills of machining techniques and processes.
Students receive a laptop, professional attire, tools, supplies, books, and a stainless-steel briefcase.
All these things are included in the cost of fees and tuition, which the school estimates to be $16,795.
Community College
Several schools offer CNC Machinist programs. Students need to make sure that the program meets their educational and career goals.
Checking the cost of the program is important before enrolling in a CNC machinist program.
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College has more than 40 locations in Indiana.
One program offered at the school is the Machine Tool Technology program.
The school offers several program options, which students need to know so that they enroll in the correct program.
The short-term CNC Machinist certificate program is offered at nine locations.
It consists of 18 credit hours over two semesters.
The program costs $3,211.
The CNC operator program is a long-term certificate program.
It consists of 31 credit hours, which students complete over two to three semesters.
The program costs $5,530.
The Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology program is a two-year program.
It consists of 60 credit hours.
The program, which is offered at 12 locations, costs $10,703.
Minneapolis College
Minneapolis College offers two CNC Machinist programs.
The CNC Machinist Diploma program consists of 45 credit hours.
Students gain the technical skills and problem-solving skills to work in the industry.
The CNC Machinist Associate of Applied Science program consists of 60 credits.
Students learn basic and advanced skills in CNC machining.
They receive hands-on training.
Tuition at Minneapolis College is $3,080 per semester, based on 15 credits per semester.
Students pay extra for books, fees, and supplies.
How Much Does CNC Machinist Certification Cost?
CNC machinists are not required to be certified by any agency or entity.
Employers may require their CNC machinists to have certification.
The site Indeed lists getting certification from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) on its list of things that CNC machinists do.
The National Institute of Metalworking Skills indicates that it is the country’s only distinction for excellence in manufacturing training, based on approved standards.
Earning a credential from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills shows that you demonstrate competencies in accordance with industry job roles and disciplines.
The credentialing fee for one test is $80.
Is Becoming a CNC Machinist a Good Investment?
Becoming a CNC machinist provides people with the skills and knowledge to work in a career where trained professionals are highly sought after by employers.
Completing a training program at a vocational school or a community college gives students the skills that they need for entry-level CNC machinist jobs.
The schools that offer associate degree programs or advanced training may take longer or cost more money.
Key Takeaways
CNC machinists who complete a training program are sought after by industry employers.
The more training that a person has, the more likely they are to have good job opportunities.
Salary.com lists the average salary for CNC machinists as ranging from $53,060 to $65,822.
Students who invest in good training programs invest in their future.