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CNC mill operator: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$52,800median pay per year, or $25.39 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $37,840lowest 10% earn less
  2. $45,21025th percentile
  3. $52,800median
  4. $64,90075th percentile
  5. $81,030top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

A CNC mill operator, which BLS counts in the milling and planing machine setters, operators and tenders group, had a median pay of $52,800 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to fall 13.2% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-13.2%[2]
Openings per year
1,000[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do CNC mill operators make?

The median wage for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $52,800 a year, or $25.39 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The median for all occupations was $50,980[4]. The average (mean) wage was $56,740 a year, or $27.28 an hour[7].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $37,840 a year, and the 25th percentile was $45,210[3]. The 75th percentile was $64,900 and the 90th percentile was $81,030[3]. Hourly, the 10th percentile was $18.19 and the 90th was $38.96[8].

A percentile wage is a boundary. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

Measure Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[3][8] $37,840 $18.19
25th percentile[3][8] $45,210 $21.74
Median[1] $52,800 $25.39
75th percentile[3][8] $64,900 $31.20
90th percentile[3][8] $81,030 $38.96

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits[10].

Pay by state and city

BLS published median wages for 36 states[11]. Washington was first at $86,460 a year, followed by Connecticut at $79,300 and Kentucky at $66,440[11]. Alabama was last in that list at $35,760[11]. The full table is below.

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs[12], Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA was first at $105,430, followed by Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN at $63,360 and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI at $62,530[12].

About 12,460 people held these jobs in May 2025[13]. California had the most, at 1,960, then Tennessee at 1,170, Michigan at 670, Ohio at 610 and Indiana at 590[14]. The metro area with the most jobs was Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, at 660 jobs and a median of $54,090[15].

Show median pay in 36 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Washington[11]$86,460240
Connecticut$79,300150
Kentucky$66,440540
Illinois$63,360570
Massachusetts$62,380n/a
Nebraska$59,63070
California$59,0501,960
Wisconsin$58,770280
Indiana$57,720590
New York$56,560550
Virginia$56,41090
Maryland$56,08050
Minnesota$55,210220
Texas$53,840510
Colorado$53,780n/a
Nevada$52,800120
Iowa$51,600140
Ohio$51,310610
New Jersey$50,530190
New Hampshire$49,23050
North Carolina$49,210280
Arizona$48,760100
Michigan$48,400670
South Carolina$48,340120
Pennsylvania$47,690410
Missouri$47,680350
Florida$47,220140
Utah$46,580100
West Virginia$45,440120
Maine$45,210120
Arkansas$44,440160
Tennessee$43,7101,170
Oklahoma$40,250160
Mississippi$39,100100
Georgia$38,340120
Alabama$35,760210

How to become a CNC mill operator

BLS describes the typical path into this group like this[6]:

The training details come from a BLS profile of metal and plastic machine workers, which covers a wider group than this page[16]. It says these workers typically need a high school diploma and get 1 year of on-the-job training[17]. Trainees usually start by watching and helping experienced workers. They move on to harder work, including changing machine settings, swapping tools and checking finished parts. Some later learn to set up machines[18].

Training time depends on how complex the equipment is. Some operators learn basic machine work in a few months, while CNC tool operators may need up to 1 year[19]. Training in CAD, CAM and CNC equipment may help[20]. Some community colleges and training schools have classes and certificates for running metal and plastics machines, including CNC programming[21]. Certification can show competence and help with advancement[22].

In an O*NET survey of 20 workers, 47% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 19% said a bachelor's degree, and 15% said a post-secondary certificate[23]. Small surveys like this give only a rough picture.

What CNC mill operators do

O*NET describes the work as setting up, running or tending milling or planing machines that cut, shape and groove metal or plastic pieces[24]. Common tasks include:

Workers report titles such as CNC mill operator, mill operator, machine operator and machine set up operator[26].

Where they work

The BLS profile of the wider metal and plastic machine worker group says fabricated metal product manufacturing was the largest employer, at 25% of workers in 2025[16][27]. Most of these workers are employed full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week[28]. Evening and weekend work is also common, because many manufacturers run machines for long periods[28].

These workers often run powerful, high-speed machines and follow safety rules. Protective gear for eyes, ears and feet is usual[29]. The work calls for standing for long periods and repetitive tasks[30].

Job outlook

BLS projects that employment will decline 13.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 12,400 to 10,800 jobs, a loss of 1,600[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same years[31]. These projection counts include self-employed workers, so they differ from the OEWS count of wage and salary jobs[13][2].

BLS lists one factor behind the decline. Robotics, CNC machines and other automated machines are expected to replace less advanced machines[32].

Still, about 1,000 openings a year are projected on average[5]. Openings include workers who retire or move to other occupations as well as new jobs[5]. Each year, 4% of workers leave the labor force and 6.3% move to a different occupation[33].

Is it a good fit?

The median pay is a little above the all-occupations median, at $52,800 compared with $50,980[1][4]. The entry requirement is a high school diploma with on-the-job training, and no related experience is needed[6]. The main drawback in the facts is the outlook, a projected 13.2% decline compared with 3.5% growth for all occupations[2][31]. Pay also differs a lot by state, from $86,460 in Washington to $35,760 in Alabama[11]. Workers who want to move up can look at setup roles, which the wider BLS profile mentions as a common step[16][34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[35].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a CNC mill operator make an hour?
The median hourly wage for this group was $25.39 in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $18.19 and the 90th was $38.96[8].
How long does it take to become a CNC mill operator?
The wider BLS profile says some operators learn basic operations in a few months, while CNC tool operators may need up to 1 year[16][19].
What education do you need to be a CNC mill operator?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent, no related experience and moderate-term on-the-job training[6].
Is CNC mill operator work in demand?
BLS projects a 13.2% decline from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][31]. About 1,000 openings a year are projected[5].
What is the highest paying state for milling and planing machine operators?
Washington, with a median of $86,460 a year, comes first among the 36 states with published data[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US was $52,800 per year and $25.39 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 13.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 12,400 to 10,800 jobs (a change of -1,600). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $37,840, 25th percentile $45,210, 75th percentile $64,900, 90th percentile $81,030. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 1,000 openings for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $56,740 per year and $27.28 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $18.19, 25th percentile $21.74, 75th percentile $31.20, 90th percentile $38.96. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (areas with at least 100 jobs): Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $105,430; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $63,360; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $62,530; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $61,340; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $59,050; Elkhart-Goshen, IN $59,040; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $58,360; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $56,970. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 12,460 people were employed as Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: California 1,960; Tennessee 1,170; Michigan 670; Ohio 610; Indiana 590. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 660 (median $54,090); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 470 (median $63,360); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 230 (median $56,970); San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA 230 (median $59,050); Elkhart-Goshen, IN 190 (median $59,040); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 190 (median $51,900). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 51-4035.00 survey of workers (20 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 47%, Bachelor's Degree 19%, Post-Secondary Certificate 15%, Less than a High School Diploma 10%, Some College Courses 9% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET description of Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET task list for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET 51-4035.00 sample job titles reported by workers: CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator), Machine Operator, Machine Set Up Operator, Mill Operator, Miller. O*NET OnLine
  27. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  32. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Productivity change, occupational substitution - share decreases as robotics, CNC operated machines, and other programmable/automated machines replace less advanced machines increasing efficiency. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 4% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.3% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.