Rhode Island welcomes individuals interested in modern manufacturing to pursue a career in CNC machining. Although the field has many subcategories, candidates who want a robust understanding would do well to enroll in a CNC machinist program. In this program, they will learn every aspect of the discipline, from operation and programming to set-up and maintenance.
The following guide analyzes everything an individual needs to know to launch a CNC machinist career in Rhode Island smoothly. We break down the educational requirements, training options, certification options, and annual average salary.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Rhode Island
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the requirements for starting a CNC machinist career in Rhode Island.
Preparatory Courses
Candidates can take several preparatory courses to familiarize themselves with CNC machining and programming fundamentals before they start practicing in the real world with actual machines. A preparatory course is also crucial for helping candidates develop confidence quickly and as early as possible.
Afterward, candidates may receive extensive training at a trade or technical school pursuing, for example, an associate degree program in CNC machining that can be completed in 2 years. Those who want to enter the workforce faster may go for 6 months certificate programs.
Practical Education
Practical education is crucial for a fresh CNC machinist with little experience with actual machines.
Many training programs offer workshops with CNC tools and machines, which can give candidates a great deal of practical education. Some employers, like professional organizations, also offer “on-the-job” training.
Employment & Professional Growth
A well-trained CNC machinist in Rhode Island who has acquired both fundamental academic education and practical training in the real world can secure employment with a suitable organization. Additionally, they may facilitate career growth through networking and professional credentials.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Certification is highly sought among CNC machinists in Rhode Island because it can help boost their employability. Employers who choose between a certified and an uncertified CNC machinist will likely choose the certified professional.
This is because certification facilitates an extra layer of skills verification, which gives the employer peace of mind. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills offers certification categories for CNC machinists based on their specialty field and experience level.
Besides employability and specialization, becoming certified as a CNC machinist in Rhode Island also has other benefits, like continuing education and networking potential. This is because becoming certified is only one step, and candidates must continually renew their credentials by keeping up with new methods in the discipline.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Rhode Island
Residents of Rhode Island can attend any of the programs below to start their CNC machinist career.
Community College of Rhode Island
Providence, RI Campus + Online
Community College of Rhode Island offers multiple programs for future CNC machinists, including campus-only and online programs. The online programs include the CNC Machinist and Manual Machinist programs.
Tuition
$231 - $687 per CreditContact
(401) 825-2230
rankrom@ccri.edu
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI Campus Only
New England Institute of Technology—particularly the school's Shipbuilding and Advanced Manufacturing Institute—offers a CNC machinist training program called the “Machine Program.” This program is notable for connecting graduates with manufacturers for job placement.
Tuition
$500 - $700 per CreditContact
(401) 739-5000
neitadmissions@neit.edu
IYRS School of Technology & Trade
Newport, RI Campus Only
IYRS School of Technology & Trade offers a nine-month Digital Modeling and Fabrication Program. This program helps accepted applicants build skills in computer-aided design, CNC programming, and 3D modeling.
Tuition
$26,775 per ProgramContact
(401) 848-5777
admissions@iyrs.edu
Explore CNC machinist schools in Rhode Island by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Starting, a CNC machinist in Rhode Island may earn an annual average return of $57,106, which puts them in the bottom 10 percent of earners. However, they may quickly rise to the median earning category and take home an annual average salary of $74,125.
Experience is one factor that will facilitate a salary increase. Of course, other criteria, such as location and credentials, may also contribute to growth.
Those who ultimately make it to be among the top 10% of CNC machinists in Rhode Island may earn an annual average salary of $96,216 or even more. As for locations, Bristol is the highest-paying destination to be a CNC machinist in the state, with an annual average salary of $81,390.
Other relevant places are Smithfield, with an annual average salary of $75,633; West Warwick, with an annual average salary of $73,923; and Woonsocket, with an annual average salary of $73,697. Looking to the future, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment rate of CNC machinists to maintain its current trajectory, leading to tens of thousands of new openings in the coming decade.
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