CNC machinists in Chicago, Illinois, are some of the highest-paid in the country. They earn an annual average salary that is 7% higher than the national average, and more often than not, they are assured of a successful career ahead of them – as long as they graduate from a quality training program.
To make things even better, the Chicago area boasts some incredible CNC machinist training programs in and around it. Of course, finding these institutions can be challenging, as is identifying the best among them.
However, you don’t have to worry because that is precisely what the resources below are for. Here, we provide a quick overview of the steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in Chicago before diving into the top training programs in and around the city.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Chicago
In Chicago and every other city in Illinois, the basic educational requirements for aspiring CNC machinists are a high school diploma and a GED. With both of these, securing admission into an academic program becomes easier.
Training programs for CNC machinists are usually overseen by academic programs such as community colleges and vocational schools or apprenticeship programs organized by trade unions and accredited private institutions.
Completing a training program is usually enough to start practicing as a CNC machinist in Chicago. However, acquiring a CNC Machining Level I or II certification from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) can enhance job opportunities.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Chicago, Illinois
The following are some of the most prominent CNC machinist schools in and around Chicago, Illinois.
Richard J. Daley College
Chicago, IL Online + Campus
For aspiring CNC machinists in the state, Richard J. Daley College (part of the City Colleges of Chicago) offers a basic certificate training program consisting of 16 credit courses.
Tuition
$11,520 - $14,430Contact
(773) 838-7500
DAadmissions@ccc.edu
Wilbur Wright College - North Campus
Chicago, IL Online + Campus
Wilbur Wright College – also a part of the City Colleges of Chicago – offers two certificate programs in computer numerical control. The first is a basic certificate program with six classes and 16 credit hours.
Tuition
$11,520 - $14,430Contact
(773) 777-7900
khayes32@ccc.edu
Symbol Training Institute
Chicago, IL Online + Campus
Symbol Training Institute is a vocational school located in Chicago that offers hands-on training in a handful of industrial maintenance and CNC programs. The school offers an accelerated training program for aspiring CNC machinists wanting to acquire real-world training and classroom instructions under the tutelage of qualified instructors.
Tuition
$5,540 - $7,990Contact
(847) 673-6500
dpeters@symboltraining.edu
College of Lake Country
Waukegan, IL Online + Campus
At the College of Lake County, future CNC machinists receive training in various crucial CNC topics thanks to the Precision Machining Technology program. Interested individuals will also be glad that the National Institute for Metalworking Skills accredits the program.
Tuition
$9,842 - $13,118Contact
(847) 543-2191
admissions@clcillinois.edu
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL Online + Campus
Another excellent destination for high-quality CNC machining training, Illinois Central College offers certificates in CNC machining operation. The program teaches accepted applicants key topics such as blueprint reading and CNC setup.
Tuition
$9,900 - $11,700Contact
(309) 694-5422
info@icc.edu
Explore detailed steps and certification requirements:
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