CNC Machinist Schools in South Dakota

One thing that distinguishes CNC machinists from other professionals in the same industry is their comprehensive expertise. Unlike those who focus on one area of CNC machining, anyone who calls themselves a CNC machinist must understand various aspects of the profession, from setting up and operating these machines to programming and troubleshooting them.

South Dakota offers many opportunities for individuals looking to enter this profession. Below, we break down what is expected of candidates regarding their education, certification, and professional opportunities.

We also analyze the annual average salary projections and the career outlook, among others.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in South Dakota

Candidates can start a CNC machinist career in South Dakota by following the steps below.

Choosing a Training Path

Thanks to minimal government requirements, choosing a training path is the first and most important step to becoming a CNC machinist in South Dakota. Below are the two major options.

• Technical Academic Program - South Dakota boasts several academic training institutions where residents can apply to study for a few months or up to 2 years and receive a certificate/degree in CNC Machining, Machine Tool Technology, or Precision Machining Technology.

This is usually done to gain introductory experience in the field.

• Apprenticeship Program: Although a theoretical understanding is the first step to laying a foundation, ultimately, students need to know how it feels to work in a real-world environment before they can develop the confidence to secure entry-level employment.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to participate in an apprenticeship program. These are typically offered by potential employers and companies in the area, along with professional organizations.

Admission into technical academic and apprenticeship programs may require a high school results/GED transcript.

Job Placement

Several companies span various industries where well-trained CNC machinists in South Dakota can secure employment upon program completion. The following section explores how candidates can improve their chances and facilitate career growth.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an HVAC technician in South Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In South Dakota, there are no mandatory licensing requirements for CNC machinists. The state also leaves the issue of certification to prospective employers.

For this reason, even though it is not required by law, a company in the state may choose to work with only certified professionals. Naturally, certification is very popular.

Certification can also greatly assist professionals specializing in a particular focus area. For instance, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills offers credentials in credentials in CNC Milling and CNC Lathe Operations.

Those who choose to become certified are essentially putting themselves in a position where they’ll need to keep growing their skills through continual learning. Continuing education is typically a feature of renewing a professional credential.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in South Dakota

The entries below are notable for training upcoming CNC machinists in South Dakota.

Explore CNC machinist schools in South Dakota by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Sioux Falls

Salary & Career Outlook

A CNC machinist in South Dakota manages an annual average salary of $62,586 in the bottom-earning category, an annual average salary of $99,922 in the top-earning category, and an annual average salary of $79,080 in the median category.

Experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and location contribute to where candidates fall on the spectrum. Regarding the last point, Humboldt is the most notable place to work for CNC machinists in South Dakota, with the highest relative annual salary.

Those who work here earn around $86,799, while those who work in Watertown earn an annual average salary of $86,020. Britton and Sioux Falls are among the top destinations with annual average salaries of $81,547 and $75,375, respectively.

Professionals in the state will also be glad that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a sustained demand for CNC machinists in South Dakota and across the state for the upcoming years.