CNC machinists are professionals with an in-depth knowledge of how machines powered by computer numerical control (CNC) work. They can program, maintain, and fix issues with these sophisticated devices.
The role of a CNC machinist is in high demand in South Carolina. Certain pieces of information make the entire process a lot easier for those who would like to consider a career in the field. If you fall into this category, you will find the resources below quite valuable.
Here, we discuss some essential points, including the steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in the state, possible educational, licensing, and certification requirements, and the potential salary to expect during your career.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in South Carolina
To become a CNC machinist in South Carolina, individuals must go through the following steps:
Step 1: Fulfilling Prerequisite Requirements
The state of South Carolina doesn’t mandate CNC machinists to possess any basic educational requirements. This prerogative is down to the employers who usually ask that candidates must at least have a high school diploma or GED. As we’ll see below, more than having either of these is often required.
Step 2: Understanding Areas of Specialization
To begin a career as a CNC machinist, it pays to understand how the occupation works beforehand. And a large part of understanding how the occupation works is becoming familiar with the different areas of specialization.
To that end, the three specialty areas a CNC machinist can work in are below.
- Operating machinist - in charge of using CNC machines and ensuring they function as they should.
- Set-up machinists - in charge of setting up, monitoring, and maintaining CNC machines to ensure they can run smoothly when called upon.
- Programming machinist - a programming machinist writes and maintains the code that programs computers. They can also tweak and update the code to adapt to scale and various feature needs.
Step 3: Enrolling in a Training Program
Most of what a CNC machinist does is hands-on training. However, they can still enroll in a college training program to receive an in-depth understanding of the theoretical aspects of the occupation.
A CNC machinist who wishes to get started as fast as possible may enroll in a certificate program that can be completed in months. At the same time, those looking to get a comprehensive education may consider the two-year associate degree program or a four-year degree program.
Step 4: Obtaining Hands-on Experience
As mentioned above, hands-on experience is critical for a CNC machinist. For this reason, even after receiving training at a formal program, most CNC tend to work as apprentices under the mentorship of established and experienced machinists to gain the real-world experience they need before branching out independently.
Combining formal school training with apprenticeship programs is possible to acquire a more “complete” form of exercise. Those who wish to do this usually enroll in a certificate training program with fast-tracked coursework and then spend the rest of their time acquiring hands-on training.
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
South Carolina has no special licensure requirements for a CNC machinist. As long as they can obtain proper training and perform their jobs at a high level, they’re free to practice professionally wherever needed.
But even though licenses aren’t required, certifications often come in handy. Many CNC machinists have become certified not because it is the law to do so but because certification usually indicates to employers that they can do their jobs at a high level and take the profession seriously.
Certification also makes it possible to keep improving on the job through continuing education, often a criterion to renew and maintain these credentials.
One of the most popular certification options for a CNC machinist is the credential offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Learn about CNC machinist licensing and certification in neighboring states:
Top CNC Machinist Schools in South Carolina
The following are some of the top CNC Machinist schools in South Carolina.
Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College offers a CNC machinist technology program that has recently become a regular on the list of best programs in the area. The school provides CNC Machine Operator Level 1 and Level 2 training, focusing on primary programming, blueprint reading, and shop mathematics.
The school also offers financial aid for those who qualify. Graduates may advance their education by pursuing an associate degree in machine tool technology through 9 credit hours acquired through this program.
Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College is another beautiful destination to receive CNC machining training in South Carolina. The program is well connected with local employers, so students easily secure employment.
Through their stay, participants will be taught theoretical and laboratory topics to make them excel in their fields. The focus areas include lathe and mill operation, inspection, grinding processes, analytical problem-solving, and more.
University of South Carolina
Lastly, aspiring CNC machinists in South Carolina may also consider the program offered by the University of South Carolina in Sumter. The school boasts modern facilities and equipment through which students will consolidate their classroom instructions with hands-on training.
By the time they graduate, they will have become experts on metal cutting, production floor safety, CNC programming, inspection methods, and shop mathematics, among others.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include the CNC machining associate degree program at Midlands Technical College and the 20-week CNC Machine Technology program at Palmetto Training Inc.
Explore CNC machinist schools by city:
CNC Machinist Salary and Job Outlook in South Carolina
A CNC machinist in South Carolina can look forward to an annual average salary of $68,734. Factors such as location, industry, and experience level can play a role in how much a CNC machinist earns in South Carolina.
Those who fall into the top ten percent of earners in the state earn an annual average salary of $91,892, while those who fall into the bottom ten percent take home around $51,413 in average yearly salary. CNC machinists in Seneca and Blythewood earn the highest annual average, with salaries of $78,045 and $75,047, respectively. Machinists in Summerville, Greenville, and Duncan round up the top five with average yearly salaries of $71,999, $70,583, and $66,799, respectively.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
