CNC Machinist Schools in Pennsylvania

Computer numerical control machines, or CNC machines for short, are used in the manufacturing industry to provide a high level of accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in production.

While CNC machines can do so many great things, they will only be helpful with experts with in-depth knowledge of managing, operating, upgrading, and troubleshooting them.

These professionals are none other than CNC machinists.

For their efforts, they get rewarded with an incredible salary and a career with high job security. Aspiring CNC machinists in Pennsylvania will find the resources below invaluable in helping them kick-start their careers in the best possible way.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Pennsylvania

The following are the steps/requirements involved in becoming a CNC machinist in Pennsylvania:

Step 1: High School or GED

Aspiring CNC machinists in Pennsylvania will have a better chance of enrolling in quality training programs if they possess a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Step 2: Degree Programs

Different institutions, including community colleges, trade schools, and vocational schools in Pennsylvania, offer academic training for CNC machinists.

Some of the things you will learn in an academic CNC training program include CNC machine operation, mathematics, engineering, and design technology principles.

CNC machinist programs can last 10 months to 2 years, depending on whether individuals choose a certificate or associate degree program.

Step 3: Apprenticeship Programs

Candidates may also consider applying for a CNC apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania that takes two to four years to complete. These programs ensure that individuals get the hands-on training and real-world experience they need before taking on official positions.

The topics taught in CNC apprenticeship programs include metallurgy, safety practices, and CNC programming.

Step 4: Required Skills

Apart from obtaining the technical knowledge to carry out their duties, a CNC machinist will also need some other related skills to thrive on the job. These include teamwork, interpersonal skills, safety consciousness, adaptation, time management, attention to detail, and comprehension skills.

Step 5: Employment

Once all the steps above have been completed, a CNC machinist may consider obtaining certification before applying for an official position.

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Top CNC Machinist Schools in Philadelphia

The following are some of the best destinations to acquire CNC machinist training in Pennsylvania:

Explore CNC Machinist Schools by City:

• CNC Machinist Schools in Philadelphia

State Licensure and Certification Requirements

CNC machinists in Pennsylvania looking for certification opportunities to further their careers may consider applying for any of the options below:

• NIMS Machinist Level 1 certification,
• NIMS Machinist level II certification,
• Mastercam Certified Professionals credential,
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers CNC Machinist certification, and
• Haas Automation CNC Operator/Programmer certification.

CNC machinists in Pennsylvania are not mandated by law to obtain these certifications, nor are they required to obtain a specific license.

Salary and Job Outlook

Most CNC machinists in Pennsylvania earn an annual salary close to around $73,012, a figure that aligns with the national average. Some factors influencing how much a CNC machinist makes in Pennsylvania are their experience level, credentials, location, and employer.

For this reason, a CNC machinist in Pennsylvania can earn as much as $91,765, while the lowest-paid professionals in the state earn a figure closer to $54,334.

Austin remains the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for CNC machinists, with an annual average salary of $84,063, Philadelphia with an average yearly salary of $81,485, and Pittsburgh with an average annual wage of $73,175.