CNC Machinist Schools in Arkansas

Prospective CNC machinists in Arkansas must acquire a comprehensive understanding of CNC machines. This means that they must not only learn to operate these machines but also be able to go deeper when called upon to break down, set up, optimize, and program them, among other duties.

The resources below explore everything that Arkansas residents need to know to start their careers in this profession. We look at the educational requirements, certification possibilities, licensure requirements, and top training programs in the state.

We also provide figures concerning the annual average salary of CNC machinists in Arkansas and the conditions that may influence the numbers.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Arkansas

CNC machinists in Arkansas typically go through the process below to start their careers.

Complete a Training Program

As with all technical professions, CNC machinists must first receive the right level of training to carry out their duties. They may consider attending a college program or an “on-the-job” training program.

Attending a College Program

Attending a college program is a wonderful option for candidates who want to start their careers in a structured environment with an opportunity to earn a degree or a certificate. They can leverage these awards when it’s time to secure employment.

Community colleges usually offer academic CNC machinist programs, which may be completed in 6 months, a year, or 2 years, depending on the award in sight.

Receiving Training On-the-Job

On-the-job training programs arrange hands-on training in a real-world manufacturing environment. They allow candidates to be familiar with their duties even before they graduate.

Of course, the need for classroom training remains, and as such, even on-the-job training programs find a way to help candidates start with some classroom training.

Continuing Education

The field of precision manufacturing continues to improve. As such, even after completing their initial training, candidates are expected to keep improving by participating in continuing education.

One of the ways to achieve this is by joining professional organizations and earning valuable credentials.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an auto mechanic in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

It is rare to see CNC machinists having to receive a license at the state level. Employers and training destinations usually set most of the job requirements.

The majority of CNC machinist employers prefer to work with certified candidates. This is why obtaining professional credentials is common among CNC machinists in Arkansas, even though the law does not require it.

For the most prominent credentials recognized nationally, candidates may consider the credentials offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The institute offers the CNC Set-up Programmer credential and the NIMS Certified Machinist credential, among others.

All require written and practical examinations to obtain.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Arkansas

The following programs are excellent CNC machinist training programs for candidates in Arkansas to consider.

Explore CNC machinist schools in Arkansas by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

Even though CNC machinists in Arkansas can earn an annual average salary of up to $92,153 (if they are among the top 10%), candidates may realistically expect a salary range of $46,530 – $65,482 to start their careers.

The $46,530 figure pertains to CNC machinists who start among the state’s bottom 10% salary earners, while the $65,482 figure applies to those who start their careers among the mid-point earners.

Some major factors influencing how much a CNC machinist in Arkansas takes home each year include experience, employer, specialization, and location.

CNC machinists in Little Rock are paid the highest in the state, with an annual average salary of $79,027. They are followed by those in Fayetteville, with an annual average salary of $70,077, and those in Springdale, with an annual average salary of $69,889.