CNC machinists in Texas earn an annual average salary that can compete with most states. Professionals in the state also enjoy a high demand, with impressive job security.
If you are an aspiring CNC machinist in Texas looking to become familiar with the steps in pursuing a career in the state, you have come to the right page. Below, you’ll find a series of sections we created to do just that.
You’ll also find a handful of resources detailing everything you need to know about certification and licensing requirements, top CNC machinist programs in the state, and the potential annual average salary to expect once employment is secured.
So, let’s dive right in and start exploring the exciting world of CNC machinists in Texas!
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Texas
Below is an overview of the process for involved in becoming a CNC machinist in Texas:
Step 1: High School Preparation
As an aspiring CNC machinist in Texas, you are expected to meet a handful of prerequisite requirements before you can get started. These include having a high school diploma or a GED and sometimes taking preparatory classes, including algebra and trigonometry, to help make your journey a lot easier.
Step 2: Obtain a Degree
CNC machinists can only secure employment by attending a formal academic program at a community college or technical school. Most people choose to do so anyway simply because it often leads to an easier path toward securing employment (thanks to the degree or certificate received from these institutions).
Additionally, such programs often provide extensive training in essential topics covering an array of subjects such as mathematics, engineering, and even computer-aided design.
Step 3: Complete an Apprenticeship
As mentioned above, becoming a CNC machinist in Texas is possible without attending a formal academic program. Those who kick-start their careers this way usually spend time in an apprenticeship program instead.
One of the highlights of attending an apprenticeship program is that emphasis is placed on hands-on training and making sure that students get their hands on an actual CNC machine right from the start.
The experience acquired during an apprenticeship is also invaluable to making prospective CNC machinists comfortable with the actual work environment even before securing employment.
Most apprenticeship programs last for four years.
Step 4: Become Certified
CNC machinists are advised to acquire additional certification before seeking employment. Certification is essential as it provides further proof of competency and may lead to significant job growth.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Texas
Some of the top CNC machinist schools in Texas include:
Dallas College
Aspiring CNC machinists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may consider the continuing education program at Dallas College. This program focuses on classroom and workshop training and includes CNC production, floor safety, metallurgy, and more.
The school also boasts numerous qualified instructors with years of experience in the field.
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech in Grand Prairie continually produces skilled CNC machinists, focusing on topics such as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, blueprint reading, and industry-standard software operation.
Students are also prepared for the NIMS credential exams.
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is another beautiful destination for aspiring CNC machinists in Texas to consider. Here, they can acquire the entry-level skills they need for a successful career.
Topics include computer-aided design, applied machine shop theory, blueprint reading, and more.
Explore CNC Machinist Schools by City:
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Texas does not have any particular licensing requirements for CNC machinists. The state does not have any mandatory certification requirements, either.
However, it is often advisable for a CNC machinist in the state to apply for certification anyway, simply because there are numerous benefits.
Among the most popular credentials to go for are the CNC Machining Level 1 certification and the CNC Machining Level 2 certification, all administered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Candidates may also go for the Mastercam Certified Professional (MCP) credential, the FANUC Robotics Certified Education Robot Programmer (CERP) credential, and the Haas Automation CNC Operator/Programmer certification.
Salary and Job Outlook
In Texas, CNC machinists earn an annual average salary of $73,349, the same as every state’s national average. Typically, a CNC machinist in the state will start with an average yearly salary of around $55,999 before working their way up to the state average and then as high as $96,075, which is the average for the highest-earning CNC machinists in Texas.
Along with experience and establishment type, location also influences how much a CNC machinist will earn in the state. Currently, the highest-paying cities for CNC machinists in Texas include South Houston, Huntsville, Dallas, Houston, and Conroe.
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