what is a CNC machinist?
A CNC machinist operates CNC machinery in factories. You start as a CNC machine operator when you are new to the profession. The role involves loading raw materials, observing the CNC machine, making adjustments to specifications and ensuring that the machine creates the tools correctly.
Over time, you advance to higher positions with more responsibilities. However, you still have the same basic duties; loading raw materials, keeping the machine running, and ensuring that measurements are exact to the millimetre. The tiniest mistake could result in wasted materials and tools, costing your company money and forcing you to start again.
Working as a CNC machinist requires physical stamina and digital know-how. CNC machinists don't have backbreaking jobs, but you stand on your feet for long periods. Your employer won't expect you to know how to configure the machine when you start. Still, you should be familiar with the technology and software. Fortunately, employers provide the required training to keep the machinery running smoothly. You'll create tools, work with your hands and learn new skills. Furthermore, CNC machinists are always in demand in the mining, manufacturing and construction industries.
view vacanciesaverage CNC machinist salary
As a CNC machinist, your average remuneration package is $76,430 yearly. In an entry-level position, you receive a salary of $68,250 annually. With experience and qualifications, you earn $97,500 per year. Your earnings as a CNC machinist depend on your duties and where you work.
what factors affect the salaries of CNC machinists?
CNC machinists work with various tools depending on the industry they work in. When your job involves using complex tools, you will likely earn more due to the experience required to perform the tasks. When you have additional qualifications, you earn more as a CNC machinist. Specialised training in operating or calibrating machinery is an added advantage; the additional skills improve your earnings.
The location can also influence your earnings. When you work in some regions in Australia, your earnings are higher due to the high demand for the role. Metro areas may also pay higher salaries due to the high living costs or demand for CNC machinists.
Want to know what you will earn as a CNC machinist? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of CNC machinists
Some types of CNC machinists include:
- CNC operators: as a CNC operator, you load stock material into the machine and run the parts. The job is usually suitable for beginners since it doesn't involve adjusting the machine specifications and complex tasks.
- CNC set-up operators: you set up tools, prepare and test the program, and ascertain that the parts work as expected. In case of a breakdown, you fix the problem.
- CNC programmers: your job is to read and interpret blueprints to determine how to make specific parts. You also write programs to generate the needed parts and pick out the tools required for the process.
working as a CNC machinist
As a CNC machinist, you work with various tools to shape and assemble parts of equipment and machines. Discover some of the duties, responsibilities and work environment of CNC machinists.
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CNC machinist job description
Here is a rundown of the tasks of a CNC machinist:
- setting up tools for the machining process: before the CNC machine performs its functions, you program the tooling instructions in the datasheets. You also set up the tools and have to load raw materials into the machine.
- monitoring the machine: when the machining process begins, you monitor the progress to ensure the machine runs correctly. You can stop the process and make adjustments or corrections like repositioning the workpiece or changing the tools.
- removing workpieces from the machines: when the machining operations cease, you remove the workpiece and perform any finishing operations necessary, like removing the swarf. You also ensure the finished piece meets the specifications by performing quality control tests.
- reporting defects: as a CNC machinist, you report any workpiece defects to the supervisor. You also document issues encountered during the machining process and workpieces that fail to meet production standards.
- maintenance tasks: as a CNC machinist, you perform minor maintenance tasks like replacing work machine tools. You also lubricate the mechanical components.
- ensuring compliance with safety procedures: as a CNC machinist, it is important to stay updated with operating machines' safety procedures. You ensure the workplace is compliant with the relevant laws and regulations on working in the industry.
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work environment
CNC machinists work indoors on the factory floor. They have access to restrooms, break rooms and other facilities. CNC machinists have busy, fast-paced jobs, so there aren't a lot of quiet periods. While you may work by yourself, you will get chances to talk to your co-workers and build relationships. You spend most of your shift on your feet and have a lot of physical duties, but nothing that requires you to overexert yourself. You may be exposed to loud machinery during your shift. Therefore, you need protective gear like earmuffs.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include production workers, and toolmakers. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical engineers and mechanical technicians, mechanical fitters, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, maintenance engineers, maintenance supervisors, machinists and service technicians.
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work schedule
Factories are only sometimes open 24 hours daily, so you can secure a regular 9-to-5 shift. However, some factories have longer hours, particularly if they're part of a significant supply chain with many products. Some supervisors will ask you to work afternoons or evenings at busy times. However, most factories give their employees a standard shift, so expect to work mornings, afternoons or evenings every day. Others give their employees rotational shifts and expect them to work on nights, holidays and weekends.
If you're a full-time employee, you get shifts at least eight hours long with one lunch break. Part-time employees get shifts of varying lengths. When your employer needs extra help, they'll ask you to work overtime to help them stay on track. This requires you to put in extra hours, but it boosts your paycheck.
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job outlook
A CNC machinist is irreplaceable in the factory environment. You're one of the few people who know how to operate the machines. You are able to use the program and transform raw materials into tools and products. For this reason, CNC machinists have a positive job outlook. If you perform your job well, expect plenty of opportunities for overtime and advancement.
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advantages of finding a CNC machinist job through randstad
Finding your CNC machinist job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a CNC machinist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
If you want to work as a CNC machinist in Australia, complete a relevant qualification and an apprenticeship. Some of the qualifications you require include the following:
- education: complete relevant training to learn the ropes of becoming a CNC machinist. A VET qualification like a Certificate III in engineering (fitting and turning) or mechanical trade prepares you for the role. You should also complete an apprenticeship that involves on-the-job training and some courses.
- gain experience: apprenticeship helps you learn about the specific CNC machinery and familiarise yourself with the vocational skills. You learn about the safety techniques used in the role. Entry-level jobs also improve your experience and prepare you for other roles.
CNC machinist skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a CNC machinist include the following:
- technical knowledge: as a CNC machinist, you require technical knowledge to understand machinery. When you have technical skills, you transfer knowledge of CNC operations to new machinery. Having an aptitude for technology improves your experience in the role. You can boost technical skills through apprenticeship and taking additional courses.
- physics: as a CNC machinist, knowing how machinery works requires various physics modules. For instance, you rely on electrical circuits and wiring knowledge to resolve CNC machine problems. Your numerical capabilities are also valuable for analysing issues in machines.
- problem-solving skills: solving problems is one of the main tasks of CNC machinists. Hence, you require problem-solving skills to isolate particular issues when handling machinery. For instance, if a finished product doesn’t meet the quality standard, you can identify the issue and recalibrate the machines to ensure the finished product is perfect for assembling.
- teamwork skills: as a CNC machinist, you work with various professionals to ensure the machines operate as expected. To work well with others, you require teamwork skills. It helps you collaborate with others and brainstorm ideas on fixing machines. Communication skills are also valuable for delegating tasks and explaining complex product concepts to other CNC operators.
FAQs about working as a CNC machinist
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a CNC machinist.
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what does a CNC machinist do?
As a CNC machinist, you interpret and use technical drawings to calibrate CNC machines. You ensure the CNC machines are programmed to match the designs and set-up of your manufacturing products. You also operate and oversee the use of industrial machinery, tools and milling machines to create precision metal parts.
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are CNC machinists in demand?
The demand for CNC machinists is increasing gradually in Australia, with the growth projected to stay the same over the next five years. Job openings are available in the metalwork and manufacturing industries. Some assembly industries for machines or vehicles also rely on CNC machinists for their operations.
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how much does a CNC machinist earn in Australia?
A CNC machinist receives a remuneration package of $76,430 per year. When you learn the ropes in the role, you take home a salary of $68,250 annually. Some of the most experienced CNC machinists earn over $97,500 yearly.
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is a CNC machinist a good job?
Working as a CNC machinist is a great career choice. The role offers an excellent salary, and you can specialise in different areas to improve your career outlook. Since the role requires continuous training, you learn new skills every day.
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what is the career path for a CNC machinist?
Most CNC machinists become CNC programmers, while others specialise in tool-making or die-making. As a CNC machinist, you can also advance to managerial or supervisory positions.
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how do I apply for a CNC machinist vacancy?
Applying for a CNC machinist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
