The detailed guide on this page was carefully put together to help aspiring CNC machinists in Louisiana begin their careers on the best possible foundation. We showcase the preparatory steps that individuals need to follow to be well-positioned for proper training and then look at the training possibilities to secure entry-level employment.
Furthermore, readers will find out what possible licensing and certification pathways they can follow to ensure they have access to resources that will help them advance their careers and earn more yearly income.
Finally, the guide concludes with a comprehensive look at the salary range for CNC machinists in Louisiana and the factors that help professionals earn more every year.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Louisiana
The steps below showcase how to become a CNC machinist in Louisiana.
Choosing a Training Program
Choosing a program involves identifying the best training arrangement for an individual and then choosing an institution offering such an arrangement. Below are the most popular options.
Academic Training Arrangement
Academic training arrangements for a prospective CNC machinist ensure opportunities to earn a certificate or a degree in a structured learning environment. The duration of an academic training program can vary depending on which degree a candidate would like and whether there are real-world training provisions.
Apprenticeship Training Arrangement
Apprenticeship training is the most popular “on-the-job” training for a prospective CNC machinist, as it typically focuses on helping students develop practical familiarities. Most apprenticeship programs can be completed in 2 to 4 years.
Becoming Certified
Becoming certified as a credentialed CNC machinist is typically one of the last steps. Certification has several benefits and can be achieved via several Approaches, as we explore in more detail below.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Louisiana has no requirements for CNC machinists regarding state-wide licensing or even at the city/municipality level. However, professionals in the field are usually advised to pursue certification from relevant organizations, as it can help them broaden their skills and keep up with advancements in the field.
Of course, their peers and prospective employers usually highly regard certified professionals.
For candidates in Louisiana seeking CNC machinist certification, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills offers some of the most popular credentials. However, professionals can also consider other alternatives, including HAAS Automation.
The Manufacturing Skills Standards Council is another organization offering highly rated credentials covering safety, quality practices, maintenance, and more modules.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Louisiana
The following are some of the best CNC machinist training programs in Louisiana.
Louisiana Delta Community College
Monroe, LA Campus Only
Louisiana Delta Community College boasts a well-respected CNC machinist program officially called the Certificate of Technical Studies in CNC Manufacturing. The curriculum is comprehensive and continually updated to reflect advancements in the field.
Tuition
$134 per CreditContact
(318) 345-9230
anneciahardmon@ladelta.edu
South Louisiana Community College
Lafayette, LA Campus Only
Residents of Louisiana can also consult South Louisiana Community College for a suitable program to start a career as a CNC machinist. This program, known as the Precision Machining program, can be completed in 14 weeks.
Tuition
$5,000 per ProgramContact
(337) 521-9028
workforce@solacc.edu
LSU Shreveport
Online, LA Online Only
LSU Shreveport is a great destination for an online CNC machinist training program. With 195 course hours, students will learn about important topics, from production floor safety and grinding processes to work holding principles and inspection methods.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore CNC machinist schools in Louisiana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The state of Louisiana is ranked among the most favorable when it comes to the annual average salary for CNC machinists, thanks to a yearly figure of around $76,591 in the median category. Professionals in the field who make it to the highest-paid will end up with an annual average salary of $103,096, while those who make it to the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $56,901.
Some factors that can alter the annual average salary of a CNC machinist in Louisiana for better or worse are experience, location, specialty, employer, and more. Location is also important.
The cities with some of the most impressive numbers are Baton Rouge, with an annual average salary of $84,615, and Bossier City, where CNC machines manage an annual average salary of $80,492.
The annual average salaries for CNC machinists in Broussard and New Orleans are $80,393 and $72,497, respectively. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projections and career outlook for the upcoming decade are also very favorable.