by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 166 U.S. colleges awarded 2,254 degrees and certificates in Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 47% of graduates. College Factual ranks 64 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $33,745 one year after completing, rising to $48,658 after four years.
A major in Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist involves the study of Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills To Operate Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machine Tools, Such As Lathes, Mills, Precision Measuring Tools, And Related Attachments And Accessories, To Perform Machining Functions, Such As Cutting, Drilling, Shaping, And Finishing Products And Component Parts. Includes Instruction In Cnc Terminology, Setup, Programming, Operations, And Troubleshooting; Blueprint Reading; Machining; Lathe And Mill Operations; Technical Mathematics; Computer Literacy; Cad/cam Systems; Shop And Safety Practices; Equipment Capabilities; And Regulations And Laws.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist is a popular field of study, with 2,254 degrees awarded annually. 166 colleges award computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degrees, an average of 14 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 144.
By level, the 2,254 awards include 788 certificates, 300 associate degrees and 1,051 master’s degrees.
Women earned 10% of computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degrees and certificates in the latest year (224 of 2,254). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,319) and Hispanic or Latino (504), and international students earned 10.
College Factual ranks 64 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools ranking, including 12 for associate degrees. It also ranks computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools within 8 states. In all, 166 colleges offer computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist credential is the master’s degree: 1,051 of the 2,254 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist call most for Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control and Monitoring, and for knowledge of Production and Processing, Mathematics and Engineering and Technology, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Information Ordering.
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How long a computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 788 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 300 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,051 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, at 40.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 40.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 26.0% |
| Some college courses | 18.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.8% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist, with an average median salary of $46,981; the strongest outlook belongs to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, at 10.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) and CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician).
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, at 255,758.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | 255,758 | 10.8% |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 248,570 | -2.6% |
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist graduates earn a median $33,745 one year after completing their program, $48,658 after four years and $44,553 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,745 |
| 4 years | $48,658 |
| 5 years | $44,553 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, with a median salary of $60,584.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | $60,584 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $33,378 |
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist has 8 similar majors in the Precision Production field, which together award 71,062 degrees a year; the largest are Welding Technology/Welder (64,207), Machine Tool Technology/Machinist (3,489) and Machine Shop Technology/Assistant (1,542). Browse all Precision Production majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder | 64,207 |
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist | 3,489 |
| Machine Shop Technology/Assistant | 1,542 |
| Metal Fabricator | 588 |
| Tool and Die Technology/Technician | 423 |
| Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking | 415 |
| Precision Metal Working, Other | 296 |
| Ironworking/Ironworker | 102 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
