CNC Machinist Schools in Alaska

The following sections detail all the major requirements and considerations necessary to start a successful career as a CNC machinist in Alaska. We break down the process into concise steps, looking at the prerequisites and possible training destinations.

Then, we look at the conditions necessary to secure employment, possible licensure considerations, and relevant certification options for candidates looking to set themselves apart and verify their skills to potential employers.

In the latter stages of the guide, we provide a few top-quality programs through which candidates can receive their basic and advanced CNC machinist training. Lastly, we provide a quick overview of the possible annual earnings for these professionals in Alaska and how candidates can scale their yearly returns.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Alaska

The following are the requirements needed to become a CNC machinist in Alaska.

High School Diploma

While not required by law, employers of CNC machinists in Alaska usually prefer to hire candidates with a high school diploma or GED over those without. The profession also requires a strong knowledge of foundational mathematics and computer literacy.

As for basic skills and attributes, candidates with good concentration skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work alone have a more significant chance of succeeding as CNC machinists.

Training Destinations

There are three broad categories of training destinations for aspiring CNC machinists in Alaska. They include:

Academic Programs

Individuals who want to start their careers with an associate degree typically apply for academic programs in precision manufacturing and CNC machine technology. Various schools in the state offer such programs, and we will explore some notable options below. It is also worth mentioning that the study duration differs based on degree and certificate.

Most CNC machinist academic programs can be completed within 6 - 24 months.

On-the-Job Training

For immersive, hands-on training, aspiring CNC machinists may opt for hands-on training programs such as apprenticeship programs offered by potential employers. Prior experience in manufacturing may or may not be necessary to secure such training opportunities.

Candidates may also receive some form of compensation for their time in training.

Employment & Career Opportunities

Acquiring professional credentials can help candidates set themselves apart from the competition when it comes time to secure employment as CNC machinists. We look deeper into this below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a welder in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Most states nationwide do not set specific licensure requirements for CNC machinists, and Alaska is no different. Instead, employers set the standards.

Companies prefer to work with candidates certified by a professional organization such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. The organization is arguably the most prominent for CNC machinists and offers several opportunities for continuing education and professional networking.

Individuals interested in being certified by the NIMS must be prepared to pass a written and practical examination. They may also choose between the NIMS Certified Machinist, CNC Set-up Programmer, and Certified Journeyworker credentials.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Alaska

Below are some prominent CNC machinist training programs for candidates in Alaska.

Explore CNC machinist schools in Alaska by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

A CNC machinist in Alaska at the very beginning of their career may expect to fall among the average or low-level earners in the state. However, with time and a few other factors in their favor, they will surely improve and be among the top earners.

Currently, while the average CNC machinist in Alaska makes an average salary of $80,207 yearly, the low-level earners make around $57,778 annually, while the highest-paid take home an average annual salary of $111,344.

Along with more experience, the factors that may help professionals earn more include location, credentials, and employer. For the location, candidates may consider Juneau, where CNC machinists in Alaska earn the highest, with an annual average salary of $81,374.

They may also consider Juneau, with an average annual salary of $81,245, and Anchorage, with an average annual salary of $76,173.