CNC Machinist Schools in Maine

The article below explores all the major steps mandatory for anyone looking to start a CNC machinist career in Maine. Readers can follow this easy-to-digest guide and understand how to adequately prepare for each part of the process, thus increasing their chances of success.

Firstly, we touch upon the fundamental requirements and the appropriate ways to secure admission into a training program. Then, we explore the training arrangements candidates can leverage for a robust education while exploring certification and licensing requirements for career opportunities.

After listing the best schools and programs, we examine the annual average salary projections for the occupation in the state.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Maine

These steps are involved in launching a successful CNC machinist career in Maine.

High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is needed to become a CNC machinist. It provides a strong foundation for fundamental principles and helps candidates secure admission into training programs.

Entering into a Program

Candidates are expected to enter a training program to learn the fundamentals of CNC machining and move on to more advanced topics before graduating. However, their specific training programs and arrangements can vary depending on individual preferences and unique goals.

The two main approaches are to choose between a training program offered by an academic institution like a trade school or an apprenticeship program offered by a potential employer or union organization.

Regardless, these institutions will be responsible for teaching candidates key topics such as blueprint reading, machine tool safety, precision measurement, and computer-aided manufacturing.

It is also possible for an individual to combine both approaches and enjoy the best that both methods have to offer.

Employment & Professional Opportunities

The next natural step after receiving training is to start looking for job placement opportunities along with avenues for career improvement. Joining a professional organization and becoming credentialed is always a great way to achieve this goal. We dive into this particular issue in the next section.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a plumber in Maine

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills offers a very well-regarded credential for CNC machinists in Maine who would like to take their careers to the next level through certification and professional credentials. However, just like licensing, certification is not legally mandatory for a professional CNC machinist.

Still, many employers would like to work with a certified CNC machinist instead of a noncertified professional. Of course, there are several alternatives to the National Institute for Metalworking Skills for a nationally reputable credential.

Some of the most notable of these are the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council, which offers the Certified Production Technician credential, and the HAAS Automation certifications.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Maine

Below are some high-quality programs for aspiring CNC machinists in Maine to consider.

Explore CNC machinist schools in Maine by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual increase in employment rate for CNC machinists across the country is expected to sustain at around 35,400 openings every year. For candidates in Maine, the annual average salary to expect is $88,132 for those who are among the median earners and $65,894 for those who are among the bottom 10% earners.

Candidates who have the right level of experience and have optimized other responsible factors, including specialty credentials and location, may also fall among the top 10%, taking home a yearly return of up to $117,875 or more.

With location as the variable factor, data shows that the most favorable places to practice as a CNC machinist in the state of Maine are Paris, ME, with an annual average salary of $111,327; Bangor, with an annual average salary of $91,475; and Waterville with an annual average salary of $91,317.

Those who work in Winslow are also notable, thanks to their annual average returns of $90,284.