CNC machines continue to evolve with even more robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence innovation. All of these will contribute to an incredible growth in demand for CNC machinists nationwide in the coming decade.
If you are a resident of Ohio with a penchant for computers and fascinating machinery, a career as a CNC machinist is an incredible option to consider.
To help you start the journey, we have provided the comprehensive guide below-containing everything you need to know to begin on the right foot.
We discuss critical topics such as basic general requirements, education requirements, licensing requirements, certification alternatives, potential salary, and many more.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Ohio
Below are the steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in Ohio:
Educational Requirements
CNC machinists in Ohio are not mandated to go through a college or vocational School. Doing so, however, can have some advantages.
Below are the two broad approaches to acquiring CNC machine education for prospective machinists in the state.
Academic Program
As mentioned above, CNC machinists in Ohio are not mandated to go through a college program. Still, some do anyway because these programs usually offer rigorous instructions in critical topics such as computer-aided design and manufacturing.
They also issue degrees and certificates that may make employment a lot easier.
On-the-Job Training
CNC machinists are advised to acquire training on the job to have a more robust foundation and familiarity with the actual demands of the field before taking on an official position.
While it is possible to choose training on the job instead of going through an academic program, combining both approaches and gaining the best of both worlds is possible.
Skills Requirements
Lastly, before starting a career as a CNC machinist in Ohio, you are expected to have obtained a handful of skills from your desired training program, including how to program CNC machines and carry out troubleshooting activities.
Additionally, as a CNC machinist, you are expected to have some critical thinking skills and be able to deal with stressful situations that will inevitably occur during your career.
Career Growth
Once you begin your career as a CNC machinist, it is essential to consider opportunities to keep growing and improving. Some of the best ways to achieve this include specialization, continuing education, and joining professional organizations.
Consider trades with similar paths:
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Like most states in the country, Ohio does not mandate CNC machinists to obtain a license from any state body. Additionally, cities and municipalities have no such requirement either.
The most important thing you can do as an aspiring CNC machinist in the state is follow the above steps to start your career.
As for certification, getting a professional credential is not legally mandated. However, doing so can offer several benefits, not the least of which is the chance for career advancement.
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers Certified CNC Machinist level I and II credentials to showcase fundamental skills and safety competency.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Ohio
Below are a few notable CNC machinist schools for aspiring CNC machinists in Ohio to consider.
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College offers rigorous CNC machining training through its School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science. The program in question is the Machine Tool Technology program with an associate of applied science, short-term certificate program, and long-term certificate options.
Focus topics include blueprint reading, standard measuring tools, and computer-aided design.
Stark State College
In North Canton, Ohio, Stark State College offers another viable destination to acquire top-class CNC machine technology training for aspiring machinists in Ohio. The state accredits the program and boasts several experienced instructors.
Topics include CNC operation, programming, milling, and lathing.
Ohio State University College of Engineering
Lastly, aspiring CNC machinists in Ohio may also consider the hands-on Machine Tool Technology and CNC Manufacturing program at Ohio State University’s College of Engineering.
As expected, the program incorporates classroom and hands-on training, dealing with turning, milling, CAM/CAD, and more.
Explore CNC machinist schools by city:
Salary and Job Outlook
In Ohio, CNC machinists earn an annual salary of $72,460, the same as the national average. Typically, a CNC machinist in the state will start with a salary of around $55,074 per year before working their way up to the state average, and then as high as $95,335 – which is the annual average for the highest-earning CNC machinists in Ohio.
Along with credentials, establishment type, and experience, location is one factor that plays a massive role in determining how much a CNC machinist will earn in Ohio.
Currently, the highest-paying cities for CNC machinists in the state include Cincinnati ($77,618), Dayton ($76,622), Springboro ($74,023), Mentor ($73,469), and Strongsville ($73,309).
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