Technically proficient individuals with an affinity for working with machines will be well-positioned to pursue a career as a CNC machinist in Wisconsin. The field allows candidates to enjoy a successful career in the manufacturing industry and take advantage of growth opportunities to increase their yearly earnings and acquire more skills.
The article below outlines everything interested candidates must know to start their careers and launch them correctly with minimal fuss. Thanks to the article, those who become familiar with the process can also make optimal decisions every step of the way.
By the time they’re done reading, they should be familiar with the steps involved in the process, the licensure requirements, the possible certification alternatives to consider, and the top training programs in this state.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Wisconsin
Future CNC machinists in Wisconsin would do well to consider the steps below to launch their careers the right way.
Step 1: Education
A strong educational background is important for becoming a CNC machinist in Wisconsin. At the very least, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED.
With these credentials, they can then secure admission into a training program.
Several Wisconsin community colleges and trade schools offer well-structured CNC machining programs that candidates may leverage to start a successful career. We explore some of the best alternatives in the upcoming section below.
Step 2: Experience
There must be more than academic training to be considered a full-fledged CNC machinist in Wisconsin. With their degrees, candidates may either secure entry-level employment where they will learn more about how the field works in the real world or participate in further apprenticeship programs.
Some may not even attend academic programs and instead choose to enroll in an apprentices hip directly or secure on-the-job training positions. Some employers may offer candidates the opportunity to earn as they learn.
Step 3: Complementary Skills & Employment
Lastly, besides obtaining the technical know-how to carry out their duties, a CNC machinist should have complementary skills to thrive.
Such skills include teamwork, communication, safety, adaptation, attention to detail, comprehension skills, and time management.
Once these steps are completed, candidates may consider obtaining certification before securing employment.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
CNC machinists in Wisconsin are expected to have a state license after they can work legally. They are not expected to be licensed on a city, county, or municipal level.
While certification is not mandatory, many become certified because it gives them leverage and credibility. It also makes them more appealing to employers while providing networking opportunities.
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills is the most prominent professional organization offering industry-recognized credentials for CNC machinists in Wisconsin.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Wisconsin
Below are some of Wisconsin’s best destinations for training as an aspiring CNC machinist.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI Online + Campus
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has a popular CNC machinist training program offering a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training.
Tuition
$4,814 - $6,965Contact
(920) 498-5444
more.info@nwtc.edu
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI Online + Campus
Madison Area Technical College is another top-quality option for aspiring CNC machinists to consider. The CNC Setup Technician program teaches key topics in basic safety principles, engineering, and drawing interpretations.
Email: enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu
Tuition
$4,600 - $6,769Contact
(608) 246-6210
Email in Bio
Northwood Technical College
Rice Lake, WI Online + Campus
Lastly, Northwood Technical College offers a CNC machinist program known as the Machine Tool Technology program that can be completed in 9 months.
Email: ricelake.admissions@northwoodtech.edu
Tuition
$4,570 - $6,624Contact
(715) 234-7082
Email in Bio
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Salary & Career Outlook
As a CNC machinist in Wisconsin just starting your career, you may look forward to earning an annual average salary of $77,657. This figure aligns with the national average and pertains to candidates at the midpoint of their careers.
Being at the midpoint of a CNC machinist career doesn’t just mean that candidates are just starting or are halfway through their careers; it simply means that they are at the midpoint of optimizable factors such as location, establishment of employment, credentials, and other factors that may influence how much they earn.
Location, of course, is one of the most important factors. For instance, while CNC machinists in Franklin earn an annual average salary of $84,168, CNC machinists in Whitewater earn an annual average salary of $81,807.
Other notable destinations to work as a CNC machinist in Wisconsin include Kaukauna, where CNC machinists earn an annual average salary of $79,843; Watertown, with an annual average salary of $77,891; and Milwaukee, with an annual average salary of $77,891.