CNC Operator

$63,460 earning potential

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) operators use computer-programmed machines to manufacture precision parts for a variety of different products. The machines drill, cut and shape the raw materials into metal and plastic parts.

$63,460

High-end Earners in

BPBP Arkansas ( Top 10% )

$42,260

median annual wage

$20

median hourly wage

Responsibilities

Set up, monitor and operate the machines
Calibrate the settings of the machines for temperature, speed and cycle times
Feed material into the machines and remove the finished products
Use gauges and measuring instruments to test finished products and ensure they meet specifications
Record production numbers

BPBP Arkansas Job Outlook

330

Average annual job openings

3,090

Number of jobs by 2028

Expected growth from
2025 to 2026

BPBP Arkansas

Profile: Tommy Crews

Name

Tommy Crews

Job

CNC Technician

High School

Valley Springs High School

Age

Where I Trained

North Arkansas College CNC program and on-the-job training

What I earned

Certificate of Proficiency in Engineering

When you’re tearing into something like a problem and you figure it out, it’s a pretty good feeling. Writing programs, doing changeovers for different parts, it makes the time go by pretty fast. It’s pretty nice. I just like the variety of things.

Tommy started out doing production for Pace Industries. After a few months, his boss asked him to take a CNC class so that he could be a CNC technician for the company.

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