There are plenty of reasons to pursue a CNC machining career in Arizona. In addition to professionals in the field being well-rewarded for their efforts, aspiring CNC machinists in Arizona can also look forward to having a straightforward and enjoyable process to start their careers.
One important factor determining how enjoyable the process of becoming a CNC machining in Arizona will be how familiar candidates are with the process before they begin. To that end, we have provided the article below to do just that.
By the time they finish reading, candidates will have become familiar with every key information they need to know to start a successful CNC machinist career in Arizona. They will also understand the certification requirements, top programs in the school, and potential salary to look forward to.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Arizona
Aspiring CNC machinists in Arizona may consider the pathways below to start their careers.
The Prerequisites
The prerequisites to become a CNC machinist in Arizona involves:
- Having a high school diploma or GED,
- Becoming familiar with the duties and specializations in the field and
- Taking preparatory courses.
A high school diploma or GED is needed to secure admission into a training program. Understanding the duties and specialization beforehand ensures that candidates are well-prepared.
Preparatory algebra, trigonometry, blueprint reading, and computer science courses will also give candidates an edge over their fellow students once they secure admission into a viable training program.
Training Programs
Aspiring CNC machinists in Arizona may enroll in an academic or apprenticeship program.
Academic Training vs Apprenticeship Programs
Academic training and apprenticeship programs teach future CNC machinists everything they need to know to secure employment. But they differ in the way they achieve this.
For instance, while both seek to provide instructions in theoretical and practical areas, academic programs focus more on theoretical aspects, while apprenticeships focus on practical aspects.
Regardless of their choice of training destination, the most important thing is that CNC machinists acquire in-depth expertise in topics such as mathematics, computer technology safety, computer-aided design, methodology, and the fundamentals of CNC machine operations.
Securing Employment
Lastly, after graduating from a training program, fresh CNC machinists can then go on to work in several industries, including equipment manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, engineering, and power generation Industries.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
In Arizona, like most states in the country, CNC machinists are expected to acquire a license after they can practice in a professional capacity. Following the above steps should secure employment in a wonderful establishment.
As for professional credentials and industry certification, candidates can obtain one from the National Institute for Metalworking to validate their skills and set themselves apart from candidates without a license.
The Institute offers Machine Level I and Machine Level II certifications, as well as one in CNC Lathe Programming and Setup. Other notable mentions include the Haas Automation CNC Operator/Programmer certification and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ CNC Machinist certification.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Arizona
Below are some of the top CNC machinist schools in Arizona:
Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College is a prominent destination for CNC machining training in Phoenix. It includes rigorous hands-on training under experienced instructors. Topics include blueprint reading, schematics, and CAD/CAM.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University allows students to earn while they learn, thanks to partnerships with top companies around the area. Candidates can also interview with these companies after graduation and secure employment.
Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College offers a well-structured certificate of completion in CNC machining. It includes 25 total credits and can be completed within 12 months.
Notable Mentions
Other notable, high-quality CNC machining programs in Arizona include the following:
- West-MEC Adult Education Center offers a hands-on precision manufacturing training program approved by the Arizona State Approving Agency.
- East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa offers a machining technology program that can be completed within two to four semesters.
- Yavapai College offers an 18-hour computer numerical control machining certificate.
Explore CNC Machinist Schools by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
In Arizona, CNC machinists earn an annual average salary of $78,326 – in line with the national average for the occupation. Factors such as experience and location may allow CNC machinists in the state to go above or below this figure.
Those who fall into the top 10% usually earn as high as $103,091, while those who fall into the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $59,510.
Tempe is Arizona’s highest-paying city for CNC machinists, with an annual average salary of $82,354. This is followed by Gilbert and Phoenix, with annual average salaries of $82,028 and $79,334 respectively.
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