CNC machines use software and computer programs to gain absolute control over the finest details of the manufacturing process. This allows exact outputs and an overall efficient production process.
One of the duties of CNC machinists in North Carolina and virtually anywhere else is to oversee the operation of these machines to ensure that they operate at the highest level with optimal safety and efficiency.
Interested individuals must obtain training from a specific institution of choice to become a CNC machinist in North Carolina. There are a few options in this regard and additional steps involved in the process.
Below, we have provided an in-depth guide containing everything an aspiring CNC machinist in North Carolina must understand to begin their journey and make it very exciting.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in North Carolina
Below are the critical steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in North Carolina:
An aspiring CNC machinist in North Carolina must go through the following steps to start their career.
- Step 1: Have a high school diploma or GED,
- Step 2: Enroll in Academic Training,
- Step 3: Acquire Hands-on Training,
- Step 4: Fulfill Licensing and certification Requirements, if applicable,
- Step 5: Seek Employment,
- Step 6: Advance Career through Continuous Learning & Specialization,
- Step 7: Join Professional Organizations.
Academic Training
Colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools offer academic training for CNC machinists. These programs provide classroom training and hands-on training in workshops with various CNC machines.
They also issue certificates and degrees that often help immensely with job placement and career growth.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs for CNC machinists offer another approach in the place of academic programs. Here, students can get their “hands-on” with actual CNC machines and obtain real-world guidance from established professionals in the field.
Apprenticeship programs for CNC machinists do not necessarily have to be an alternative to academic programs. They can serve as a complement to the classroom training obtained in the latter.
Employment & Career Growth
After completing their training, CNC machinists in North Carolina must consider licensing and certification before seeking employment.
Once they secure employment, looking for career opportunities, including continuing education and specialization, is essential.
We look at some of the licensing and certification requirements for CNC machinists in North Carolina below.
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State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Just like in most states, the state does not mandate CNC machinists in North Carolina to obtain a license before they start working. And while, technically, they don’t have to obtain a certification either, most choose to do that because it opens up more career opportunities and recognition.
Even though there are a few notable certifying bodies for CNC machinists in North Carolina, the most noteworthy is the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.
The NIMS currently offers the Machinist Level I and II credentials to help new CNC machinists prove their proficiency in fundamental machining skills, machine operation, and safety.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in North Carolina
Below are some of the most prominent CNC machinist training programs in North Carolina.
South Piedmont College
South Piedmont College is one of the premier destinations for quality CNC machinist training in North Carolina. The programs of interest here are the Machining Technology Level 1 with 128 clock hours, Machining Technology Level II with 96 clock hours, and the Machining Technology Level III program.
The program incorporates both classroom and laboratory training.
North Carolina Central University College
North Carolina Central University College offers top-class CNC machining training focusing on classroom and hands-on instructions. Students learn how to read blueprints, set up CNC machines, and troubleshoot for possible issues.
By the time they graduate, they will have a certificate from the school and credentials from accrediting bodies such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, and Guilford Technical Community College.
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Salary and Job Outlook
The annual salary for CNC machinists in North Carolina is $74,464, in line with the national average. CNC machinists who earn the most in the state tend to take home as high as $100,336 annually. And those who make the least still manage an annual average salary of $55,263.
Experience is vital for a CNC machinist in North Carolina, seeing as the difference between the yearly salary of entry-level staff and experienced professionals can get as high as $26,000 per year.
Wilmington ($101,308), Statesville ($76,612), and Charlotte ($76,604) are the highest-paying cities to be a CNC machinist in North Carolina.
CNC machinists in Raleigh earn an annual average salary of $62,911.
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