CNC Machinist Schools in Oregon

As a CNC machinist in Oregon, you must thoroughly know computer-aided programming and numerical control. Of course, individuals entering this field must also meet a few requirements set by the state and relevant stakeholders, such as employers and training institutions.

The guide’s purpose on this page is to break down these requirements into well-defined steps that readers can understand and follow. We examine the fundamental requirements and educational pathways before moving on to employment possibilities and certification requirements.

Lastly, the article explores the profession’s potential earnings and career outlook across the coming years.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Oregon

The following steps are needed to become a CNC machinist in Oregon.

High School Education

A High School education is important for setting the foundation for a career as a CNC machinist in Oregon. A high school diploma also contributes to admission into a training program.

Of course, those without a high school diploma may utilize their GED results instead.

Pursuing a Certificate or Associate Degree

A certificate or associate degree is enough to become a CNC machinist in Oregon. The specific destination where candidates attend to receive their qualifications will depend heavily on personal preference.

Apart from the fact that programs can vary in terms of the degrees/awards in sight, they can also vary significantly based on how long they take. It is possible to complete a six-month training program, for example, to secure every-level position while pursuing further training “on the job.”

Most CNC machining training programs offered by technical institutions are 2-year programs that lead to an associate of applied science degree.

Hands-On Education

In Oregon, hands-on education is as important as academic education for starting a career as a CNC machinist. Some will even argue that hands-on education is more important than academic education.

Regardless, the best bet for a candidate is to combine both kinds of training, typically by attending an apprenticeship program or completing a trade school program and then receiving further practice on the job.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an HVAC technician in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Oregon is one of many states where CNC machinist certification and licensing are optional. However, certification is still popular, and candidates are usually advised to become certified as quickly as possible, sometimes before graduating from a training program.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills offers certification for CNC machinists in Oregon that can help them advance their careers. However, neither this certification nor any professional licensing is mandatory for CNC machinists in the state.

However, becoming certified is still popular because everybody wants professional advantages. Certification leads to job placement, networking opportunities, and continuing education/advanced skills acquisition.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Oregon

Below are a few quality programs for aspiring CNC machinists in Oregon.

Explore CNC machinist schools in Oregon by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary for a CNC machinist in Oregon depends on experience, job location, credentials, and other factors. To determine this, we can examine three broad categories.

The first are the bottom 10% earners, in which category most people start. Those who are here manage an annual average salary of $67,016.

The median annual salary for CNC machinists in Oregon is around $86,601, while those in the top 10 percent earning category can expect an annual average salary of around $111,911 or more.

Concerning location, which is one of the key factors, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Canby are the top places for a relatively average annual salary. The figures here are $94,395, $90,879, and $88,998 respectively.

As for future projections, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the growth rate for CNC machinists to remain at the current pace and that tens of thousands of new positions will emerge around the country.