Skip to content
Medium Risk Stable

CNC Machinist

CNC machinists program, set up, and operate computer-controlled machines to cut, shape, and finish metal and plastic parts.

$52,000
Median Salary
380,000
Total Employed
3
Career Transitions
AI Risk Score
0 %
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 73% of jobs in our database

How we calculate this score →
Pivot Score 59/100

Moderate pivot potential — some transitions require new skills.

Share

Automation Risk Analysis

Real-time market signals

AI Can Do This Today
6/10 High
Job Postings
-3%
since 2022
Automation Timeline
5-8 years
until major impact

Why This Job Faces Uncertainty

CAM software automating much of the programming process

AI-optimized tool paths reducing need for manual adjustments

Lights-out manufacturing running CNC operations unmanned

Programming skills becoming more valuable than manual operation

Leaving This Role: 60K-100K operators, programmers in demand
Competition Level: Low - skilled trade with aging workforce
Your Head Start: Strong - advance to programming/engineering now

Don't panic. Here's your plan.

Get Your Personal Action Plan

Job Market Data

Real trends from multiple job platforms

Moderate Demand
Current Employment
298.8K
BLS (2026)
Projected Growth
0%
2024-2034
Annual Openings
0
per year (growth + replacements)

Listing Trends

4 sources tracked
🇺🇸 United States
4K listings
Adzuna (4K)
🇩🇪 Germany
5.1K listings
Adzuna (1.8K) Arbeitsagentur (3.3K)
🇫🇷 France
176 listings
Adzuna (155) France Travail (21)
🇪🇸 Spain
24 listings
Adzuna (24)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
980 listings
Adzuna (783) Reed (197)
Sources: AdzunaArbeitsagenturFrance TravailReed
Updated Feb 25, 2026

Career Transitions

Safe career paths based on your existing skills

Manufacturing Engineer

12-18 months
30%
Salary Change +45%
Skill Overlap
65%

Skills to Learn

Process EngineeringCAD/CAM AdvancedLean Manufacturing

Production Supervisor

6-12 months
28%
Salary Change +25%
Skill Overlap
55%

Skills to Learn

Team LeadershipProduction SchedulingQuality Control

Quality Engineer

6-12 months
35%
Salary Change +35%
Skill Overlap
60%

Skills to Learn

GD&TMetrologyStatistical Analysis

Essential Reading

Deepen your knowledge with these recommended books.

CNC Programming Handbook

Peter Smid

"The bible of CNC programming. Definitive reference for G-code, M-code, and advanced techniques."

Get This Book

Mastercam Training Guide

Matthew Manton

"Hands-on Mastercam CAM software training. Widely used in industry for CNC programming."

Get This Book

CNC Trade Secrets: A Guide to CNC Machine Shop Practices

James Harvey

"Over 125 proven CNC shop practices for producing parts faster with fewer errors. Practical wisdom for both new and experienced CNC machinists."

Get This Book

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations.

Recommended Courses

Start your transition today with these courses

★ Start Here Most Popular

Advanced CNC Programming

Coursera

Duration 3 months
Price $49/month
Rating ★ 4.6

Skills You'll Learn

Multi-Axis ProgrammingMacro ProgrammingAdvanced G-Code
Enroll Now →

CAD/CAM for Manufacturing

LinkedIn Learning

Duration 8 hours
Price $29.99/month
Rating ★ 4.5

Skills You'll Learn

Fusion 360MastercamSolidWorks CAM
Enroll Now →

GD&T Fundamentals

Udemy

Duration 6 hours
Price $19.99
Rating ★ 4.7

Skills You'll Learn

Geometric TolerancingBlueprint ReadingInspection Planning
Enroll Now →

Related Jobs

Similar careers you might want to explore

55%

Paralegal

$59,200
35%

K-12 Teacher

$66,397
45%

Graphic Designer

$57,990
50%

Market Research Analyst

$68,230
Back All Jobs

Success! Here's your free guide:

Download AI Pivot Playbook (PDF) →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.