As an aspiring CNC machinist in Indiana, you must first remember that you’re entering a career with incredibly high growth potential. The field will be at the forefront of future manufacturing and crucial to most industries.
Naturally, candidates looking to enter this field as residents of Indiana must understand the general steps needed to acquire relevant skills and the steps peculiar to the state’s laws. Thankfully, we explore these in detail below.
We start by highlighting each step involved in the process before moving on to licensing requirements, certification considerations, top programs in the state, and the possible salary for professionals to look forward to.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Indiana
Here are the considerations all aspiring CNC machinists in Indiana must make to get their careers properly started.
Meeting the Basic Requirements
In Indiana, a high school diploma is the first basic requirement to become a CNC machinist. Those who don’t have a high school diploma may opt to use a GED equivalent.
Additionally, some training programs may ask that candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a solid understanding of basic topics in mathematics and physics.
Obtain Relevant Training
Aspiring CNC machinists in Indiana may obtain training from an academic, apprenticeship, or other programs offering on-the-job training.
- Academic Program—Community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutions across the state offer robust training to produce new batches of CNC machinists. These programs typically take around 36 weeks, but some can be quicker or more extensive.
While such programs focus on classroom training and theoretical principles, they include enough hands-on training to ensure graduates are well-prepared.
- On-the-Job Training—Individuals looking to obtain even more hands-on training may take advantage of apprenticeship programs offering on-the-job training.
Certification and Employment
The state of Indiana only asks CNC machinists to obtain professional credentials before they can begin their careers and secure employment. However, with some certifications, an aspiring CNC machinist’s resume will look much better.
Below, we discuss the possible certification alternatives these professionals should consider.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Just as with certification, the state of Indiana does not expect CNC machinists to register or take a licensing exam before they can secure employment. All they have to do is obtain the necessary training, and they may start working legally.
There are many options regarding certification. However, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills is the most prominent organization. What’s more, the Institute doesn’t offer just one option.
Candidates may choose between a handful of options highlighting their areas of specialization. Some examples include the Certified CNC Lathe Programming Setup and Operations, CNC Milling 1, Manufacturing Technician Level 1, and the Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist certification.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Indiana
The following are some of the top CNC machining training programs in Indiana.
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech is popular for well-run tech programs, and the CNC machinist program operates at the same standard. Students will receive comprehensive training at the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Automation and enjoy working with top companies like Haas Automation.
Vincennes University
Vincennes University is another school in Indiana popular for its well-run tech programs. It also offers a CNC machinist program with high educational standards.
University of Southern Indiana
Candidates who desire flexibility in their journeys to become successful CNC machinists in Indiana may consider the program offered by the University of Southern Indiana. Bring an online program; students get to move at their own pace taking advantage of top-quality learning materials.
Indiana University South Bend
Indiana University South Bend also offers a flexible, self-paced online CNC machinist training program similar to that of the University of Southern Indiana.
Explore CNC machinist schools in Indiana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a CNC machinist in Indiana was nearly $73,735. This figure was obtained from a survey of CNC machinists across the state carried out by Indeed.
The survey was carried out with professionals across all spectrums. It showed that the highest-paid in the state (the top 10%) earn an annual average salary of $100,743, while the lowest-paid (the bottom 10%) earn an annual average salary of $53,968.
The factors that influence where a CNC machinist will fall on the salary spectrum include experience, location, establishment of employees, and professional credentials.
Some notable cities to work as a CNC machinist in Indiana include Warsaw, IN, and Fort Wayne, with annual average salaries of around $72,163 and $71,261. CNC machinists in Huntington earn an annual average salary of $68,510, while those in Terre Haute earn an annual average salary of $64,683.
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