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:
Pennsylvania College of Technology
The Pennsylvania College of Technology remains one of the Premier destinations for high-quality CNC machinist training in Pennsylvania. Here, students learn all the topics they’ll need to become successful in the field, including the fundamentals of CNC operations and programming, how to read blueprints and set up CNC machines, how to manage precision instruments, and many more.
Community College of Allegheny County
The Community College of Allegheny County is usually on the list of destinations for acquiring high-quality technical training in several fields. Regarding CNC machine technology, the school is also at the forefront of the best institutions in Pennsylvania.
The CNC Machinist program seeks to teach students how to work with various precision measurements and carry out crucial tasks such as computer-aided drafting, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing.
The key courses taught in the four semesters of study include Introduction to Technical Computing, Mills and Lathe Operation, Technical Physics, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
Erie Institute of Technology
The Erie Institute of Technology has a beautiful Machine Technology program divided into three terms. The first term teaches blueprint reading and machinist mathematics, while the second and third terms include topics in introduction to CNC machining, practical computer skills, and more.
Explore CNC Machinist Schools by City:
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.
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