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What Is the Highest Paid Machinist Job?
Want to know where machinists earn six figures?
The highest-paid machinist roles involve CNC programming, aerospace work, and custom tooling—with salaries reaching over $100,000.
Let’s explore the top-paying machinist paths and what it takes to get there.
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What machinist makes the most money?
Not all machinist jobs pay the same—even with similar tools.
The highest-paid machinists are typically CNC programmers, tool & die makers, and aerospace precision machinists.
Top-Paid Machinist Roles in 2025
| Role | Salary Range | Why It Pays |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Programmer | $85,000–$115,000 | Complex parts, CAM software |
| Tool & Die Maker | $80,000–$100,000 | Custom solutions, low-volume |
| Aerospace Machinist | $90,000–$110,000 | High-spec, FAA compliance |
| Lead Machinist | $75,000–$95,000 | Team management, quality |
| Swiss Lathe Specialist | $85,000–$105,000 | Micro-tolerances, medical use |
These machinists don’t just “run” machines. They plan processes, write code, troubleshoot, and lead projects. At Prime, we often work with buyers who need this level of skill behind every 精密CNC加工零件 we deliver.
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What is the highest salary for a CNC machine?
Some confuse machine capability with operator pay—so let’s clarify.
A CNC machine doesn't earn money, but the top machinists operating multi-axis CNCs can earn over $110,000 per year.
CNC Machine Type vs. Operator Salary
| CNC Type | Machinist Level Needed | Max Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Axis Mill | Intermediate | $65,000 |
| 5-Axis Mill | Advanced | $95,000+ |
| Swiss Lathe | Expert | $105,000 |
| Horizontal Boring Mill | Advanced | $100,000+ |
Industries like aerospace, medical, and defense pay the most because errors aren’t an option. These fields often require ISO认证铸造零件厂家 level documentation, which our team at Prime delivers with every order.
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Can you make 100k as a CNC machinist?
Yes—if you specialize and stay consistent.
You can absolutely make $100,000 or more as a CNC machinist by gaining certifications, specializing in high-demand industries, and moving into leadership or programming roles.
How to Reach Six Figures in CNC
Here’s a realistic path:
| Step | Timeline | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Learn basics | 6–12 months | Operation, setup |
| Get certified | 1–2 years | NIMS, AWS, CAM training |
| Master multi-axis | 2–4 years | 5-axis or Swiss |
| Shift to programming | 3–5 years | CAM, G-code |
| Lead or consult | 5+ years | Project management, quoting |
Prime often works with independent machinists or engineering consultants who’ve crossed the $100K mark. They turn to us for overflow production and 定制冲压件供应商 support when projects scale up fast.
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What is a Level 1 machinist?
New to machining? It starts at Level 1.
A Level 1 machinist is an entry-level role responsible for basic machine operation, material loading, and tool checks.
Machinist Skill Levels Explained
| Level | Responsibilities | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Run machines, load/unload, follow instructions | 0–6 months |
| Level 2 | Setup assistance, simple offsets | 6–18 months |
| Level 3 | Full setup, blueprint reading | 2–3 years |
| Level 4 | Programming, tight tolerance parts | 4–6 years |
| Level 5 | Lead, train, consult, optimize | 6+ years |
Level 1 is a great start. Many of our partners began at this level before outsourcing their overflow to Prime. With over 10 production lines, we’re their go-to for CNC零件精准加工 and high-volume repeat work.
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结论
The highest-paid machinists are programmers, aerospace experts, and custom tooling pros—earning $100K+ through skills and specialization.
Ready to work with a team that delivers six-figure quality on every part? Contact Prime today. Our certified machinists, fast lead times, and custom services ensure you get exactly what you need—right on time.
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