Like many other states in the country, Idaho continues to require the expertise of CNC machinists in various manufacturing capacities. These professionals can operate, program, set up, and maintain CNC machines, which make precision manufacturing possible.
The sections below examine the requirements for starting a CNC machinist career in Idaho. We examine the basic educational prerequisites, training options, specific training programs, and licensure/certification requirements for more career opportunities.
To close out the guide, we also examine relevant figures concerning the annual average salary that a CNC machinist in Idaho can expect.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Idaho
The following are the steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in Idaho.
Preparatory Courses
Aspiring CNC machinists may participate in preparatory courses to prepare for the major technical topics they will learn in training. Some preparatory courses involve basic mathematics and physics, including technical drafting, machine tooling, algebra, and trigonometry.
Many employers also prefer to work with candidates with a high school diploma. Individuals may also utilize a GED equivalent.
Certificate & Degree Programs
Even though aspiring CNC machines in Idaho don’t need to receive a degree to start their careers, many choose to do so anyway. Certificates and degrees are valuable for securing employment, as they are in most occupations.
Those who choose certificate programs will be able to complete their training faster, usually in 6 months. Those who attend associate degree programs will complete their training in 2 years, while bachelor’s degree programs can be completed in 4 years.
Formal Apprenticeships
Degree and certificate programs are great for understanding classroom instructions and getting a little familiarity with CNC machines. However, candidates usually go for formal apprenticeship programs to explore the field’s core concepts and develop familiarity with a real-world environment.
Students will learn metallurgy, safety practices, computer-aided design, and more here. Passing through an apprenticeship may also give candidates an edge when seeking employment.
Skills & Employment
CNC machinists in Idaho may deploy their talents in a handful of industries, including aviation, automotive, shipbuilding, and engineering maintenance. They may also consider obtaining professional credentials to set themselves apart from the competition.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The licensure requirements for CNC machinists in Idaho are consistent with those in most states nationwide. No law mandates it, so candidates can simply complete their training programs and secure employment immediately.
Of course, for professional benefits, they may consider becoming certified. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills and the Society for Mechanical Engineers are popular destinations for receiving highly rated professional credentials as CNC machinists.
The NIMS, in particular, offers several appealing credentials. These include the NIMS Certified Machinist and the CNC Milling Programming Setup and Operations credentials.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Idaho
Candidates may consider any entries below for strong CNC machinist training in Idaho.
Boise State University
Boise, ID Online + Campus
At Boise State University, interested individuals enroll in a CNC machinist training program offered by the school's Extended Studies Department to start their careers. Students should prepare for both classroom and hands-on training.
Tuition
$8,364 - $25,701Contact
(208) 426-1709
extendedstudies@boisestate.edu
North Idaho College
Coeur d'Alene, ID Online + Campus
North Idaho College’s Machining and CNC Technology advanced certificate program is another wonderful option for aspiring CNC machinists in Idaho to consider.
Tuition
$3,408 - $8,736Contact
(208) 769-3448
techadvising@nic.edu
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID Campus Only
Lastly, candidates may consider Idaho State University and its Computerized Machining Technology program to start their CNC machinist career.
Tuition
$12,534 - $16,712 per ProgramContact
(208) 282-2800
ctech@isu.edu
Explore CNC machinist schools in Idaho by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of CNC machinists in Idaho carried out by the employment platform Indeed showed that the annual average salary for the highest-paid CNC machinists in the state is around $101,016. The survey also revealed that the figure for the lowest-paid is around $58,243, while the average CNC machinists in the state earn an annual average salary of $76,704.
As expected, location and employment play key roles in influencing how much a CNC machinist takes home in Iowa at the end of each year.
The cities revealed to be among the highest-paying for CNC machinists in the state include Hayden, with an annual average salary of $86,816; Caldwell, with an annual average salary of $81,166; and Blackfoot, with an annual average salary of $77,394.
Boise, ID, pays CNC machinists an annual average salary of $74,199.