CNC Machinist Schools in Colorado

The comprehensive guide below details every major consideration an aspiring CNC machinist in Colorado must know to start their career. It outlines the preparatory steps that give candidates an edge when they begin the process to make the best decisions at each point in time.

It also explores the licensure requirements for candidates to be on the lookout for and the certification opportunities that may give them several benefits in the employment market.

Because training is just as important as any other part of the process, we have also highlighted some of the best training institutions for aspiring CNC machinists in Colorado to consider.

Lastly, we round up the guide by providing the salary projection for CNC machinists just starting their careers and the salary figures of those already at their journey’s peak.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Colorado

The following are the steps aspiring CNC machinists in Colorado must take to begin their careers.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for becoming a CNC machinist in Colorado include having a high school diploma. Those who don’t have a high school diploma may make use of a GED or any other equivalent.

Candidates are also expected to be proficient in mathematics and physics and love computer-aided design.

Acquiring Training

Aspiring CNC machinists in Colorado may acquire training in any of two ways. They include the following:

• The Academic Route - Candidates can go through an academic program in a community college or technical school to acquire the skills needed to become a CNC machinist. They may pursue a certificate that can take less than a year or an associate degree program that can take up to two years to complete.
• The Vocational Route - Instead of academic programs, candidates can acquire hands-on training on the job, which is very important for a CNC machinist.

Apprenticeship programs are the predominant destination for vocational training, but some employers also offer such an arrangement.

Along with working with CNC machines, apprenticeship, and on-the-job programs teach students safety practices and computer-aided design.

Combining Approaches

Ultimately, candidates should combine academic and on-the-job training for a more comprehensive education. Some college programs encourage this through internships.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Learn to become an aircraft mechanic in Colorado

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Candidates looking to become CNC machinists in Colorado don’t have to worry about obtaining a license. They do not have to worry about becoming certified either, but doing so can offer several benefits, which is why most CNC machinists in the state are certified anyway.

Those looking for the best certification options may consider the following credentials and professional organizations:

• CNC Machining level 1 Certification — National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
• CNC Machining level 2 Certification — National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
• Mastercam Certified Professional (MCP) Credential.
• FANUC Robotics Certified Education Robot Programmer (CERP) credential.
• Haas Automation CNC Operator/Programmer certification.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Colorado

The following are some of Colorado’s top training programs for aspiring CNC machinists.

Explore CNC machinist programs in Colorado by city:

• CNC Machinist Schools in Denver

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual salary for CNC machinists in Colorado is $79,282, which aligns with the national average for other states. CNC machinists, among the highest earners in Colorado, take home as high as $106,987 in salary yearly, while those who earn the least still earn an annual salary of $58,751 on average.

Experience is important for CNC machinists in Colorado, as the difference between the yearly salary of entry-level staff and experienced CNC machinists in the state can be as high as $28,000 per year.

Broomfield, with an annual average salary of $94,989; Arvada, with an annual average salary of $87,164; and Louisville, with an annual average salary of $83,103, are the highest-paying cities to be a CNC machinist in Colorado.

CNC machinists in Denver and Fort Collins earn annual average salaries of $82,035 and $78,592 respectively.