How much does a cnc operator make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $4,383 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $3,699
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 1.0 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 144 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $100,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Iceland estimate | $81,370 |
| 2. Australia | $79,970 |
| 3. Belgium estimate | $79,480 |
| 6. Norway estimate | $54,350 |
| 7. United States | $52,600 |
| 8. Germany | $50,680 |
| 144. Kenya estimate | $143 |
Similar jobs
Craft and related trades workers
- Blacksmith$47,060
- Metal worker$62,200
- Grinder$46,480
- Metal molder$44,900
- Welder$53,340
- Metalworker$62,970
- Steel erector$57,930
- Rigger$62,640
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| Hawaii | $83,750 |
| District of Columbia | $72,900 |
| Washington | $66,640 |
| Alaska | $66,210 |
| West Virginia | $57,860 |
| Massachusetts | $57,850 |
| Oregon | $56,510 |
| Vermont | $56,390 |
| Minnesota | $56,050 |
| Maine | $55,970 |
See all 51 states
| Colorado | $55,490 |
| Montana | $55,160 |
| Louisiana | $54,580 |
| New York | $54,310 |
| North Dakota | $54,310 |
| New Hampshire | $54,260 |
| Connecticut | $54,090 |
| Virginia | $53,780 |
| Wyoming | $53,700 |
| California | $53,460 |
| Missouri | $53,450 |
| New Mexico | $53,080 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,910 |
| Wisconsin | $52,860 |
| Utah | $52,640 |
| Kentucky | $52,280 |
| Iowa | $52,050 |
| Arizona | $51,990 |
| Rhode Island | $51,960 |
| Maryland | $51,960 |
| Nebraska | $51,770 |
| Illinois | $51,720 |
| Idaho | $51,310 |
| New Jersey | $50,700 |
| North Carolina | $50,580 |
| Texas | $50,180 |
| Indiana | $50,180 |
| Delaware | $49,860 |
| Ohio | $49,600 |
| South Carolina | $49,220 |
| South Dakota | $49,200 |
| Nevada | $49,100 |
| Alabama | $48,690 |
| Kansas | $48,280 |
| Florida | $48,240 |
| Michigan | $48,080 |
| Arkansas | $47,330 |
| Georgia | $46,660 |
| Oklahoma | $46,630 |
| Tennessee | $46,630 |
| Mississippi | $44,060 |
Jobs in this group in the United States
Official name of each one and its median salary a year.
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Cutting | $46,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setter | $47,180 |
| Grinding | $46,550 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter | $47,720 |
| Rolling Machine Setter | $50,140 |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter | $50,620 |
| Metal Worker and Plastic Worker | $45,950 |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setter | $52,800 |
| Forging Machine Setter | $49,030 |
| Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter | $49,080 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cnc operator make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $4,383 a month, $52,600 a year.
How much does a cnc operator make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $37,640 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $74,530.
Which country pays a cnc operator the most?
Australia, with a median of $79,970 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a cnc operator the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $83,750 a year.
Does a cnc operator make more in the United States or in Germany?
In the United States: $52,600 a year against $50,680 in Germany, 1.0 times more.
Who makes more, a cnc operator or a blacksmith?
A cnc operator: $52,600 a year against $47,060 for a blacksmith, 1.1 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate