CNC Machinist Schools in Oklahoma

CNC machines have revolutionized manufacturing. In Oklahoma, there has been a rise in demand for professionals capable of operating, programming, and overseeing the functioning of these machines.

This is where CNC machinists come in.

Oklahoma offers several veritable training programs for those who want to launch a career in this profession, along with straightforward requirements and minimal mandatory government interventions.

Below, we break down all these requirements and reveal other steps to becoming a successful CNC machinist in Oklahoma.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Oklahoma

The process below outlines how to become a CNC machinist in Oklahoma.

Understanding the Profession

Completing a training program will qualify candidates to become professional CNC machinists. However, candidates are expected to prepare themselves by researching their prospective career duties and focus areas right from the beginning.

These include working as operating machinists, set-up machinists, and programming machinists.

Taking Preparatory Courses

Candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED equivalent before enrolling in a preparatory training program to become a CNC machinist. Courses will focus on important topics such as technical drafting, machine tools, and metalworking.

Earning a Certificate or a Degree

A degree is not mandatory for qualifying for employment as a CNC machinist, but it can be very helpful. A certificate, which offers benefits, can also be obtained by attending a vocational institution or community college.

Before graduating, candidates will familiarize themselves with advanced topics in computer-aided design and manufacturing, design mathematics, and more.

Completing an Apprenticeship

Even after becoming familiar with important topics in the field, becoming a professional CNC machinist still requires extensive hands-on experience before proficiency can be developed.

An apprenticeship provides entry-level experience and can usually be completed in four years. Candidates can also learn key safety practices and develop professional transferable skills.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an electrician in Oklahoma

Licensure & Certification Requirements

CNC machinists do not need a specific license to work in the state of Oklahoma, and they don’t have to become certified. However, certification can verify a professional’s skills and demonstrate competence.

Additionally, certification can be advisable for career opportunities like networking and continuing education. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills is the most popular authority on certification for CNC machinists.

However, candidates can also consider the credentials offered by HAAS Automation. These are perfect for those who would like to receive their certification in a very flexible way, as online course materials are available for machinists pursuing HAAS certification.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Oklahoma

The schools below offer excellent CNC machinist training programs in Oklahoma.

Explore CNC machinist schools in Oklahoma by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Oklahoma City

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a CNC machinist in Oklahoma depends on many factors, some of which are difficult to pinpoint. However, it is common for a professional’s salary in this field to be a function of their experience level, professional credentials, and specific location in the state.

Those who have optimized enough of these responsible factors can earn up to $88,879 in annual returns, which puts them among the top 10%.

Those who have yet to do the necessary optimizations can earn a significant amount of $68,300, which is relevant for those in the median earning category.

It is also possible to be among the bottom 10% of CNC machinists in Oklahoma, where the annual average salary is around $52,485. Regarding location, some places offer higher salaries than others.

These include Bartlesville, where the annual average salary is $78,857; Okmulgee, where the annual average salary is $73,575; and Owasso, where the annual average salary is $72,522.