Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary in the United States
How much does a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III make in the United States?
As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III in the United States is $62,753 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,757
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,813 to $70,083
Key Factors That Influence Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salaries
A Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III's salary isn't a fixed number.
It's shaped by several important factors.
Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
How Experience Level Affects Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator Salaries?
Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III's salary.
As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases.
Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
CNC Laser Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $49,523
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $62,731
CNC Laser Machine Operator IV (5-7 years): $71,330
Job Role
Years of Experience
Average Salary
CNC Laser Machine Operator II
1-3 years
$49,523
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
3-5 years
$62,731
CNC Laser Machine Operator IV
5-7 years
$71,330
$49,523CNC Laser...
$62,731Computer ...
$71,330CNC Laser...
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What Am I Worth?
How Do Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salaries Vary from State to State?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work.
States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors
often pay more to attract Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator IIIs.
For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Top Paying Cities for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator IIIs
Salaries can also vary between different cities.
Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay.
Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
San Jose: $79,143
San Francisco: $78,273
Oakland: $76,623
San Jose, CA$79,143
San Francisco, CA$78,273
Oakland, CA$76,623
New York, NY$72,243
Paramus, NJ$71,363
Queens Village, NY$71,363
Passaic, NJ$71,303
Bergenfield, NJ$71,303
Stamford, CT$71,163
Huntington, NY$71,133
Newark, NJ$70,673
Bridgeport, CT$70,543
Vallejo, CA$70,413
New Brunswick, NJ$70,393
Petaluma, CA$70,353
Middlesex, NJ$70,233
Somerset, NJ$70,193
Santa Cruz, CA$70,103
Boston, MA$69,723
Monterey, CA$69,503
Seattle, WA$69,363
Santa Rosa, CA$69,353
Los Angeles, CA$69,333
Juneau, AK$69,163
Washington, DC$69,093
Orange, CA$68,873
Santa Ana, CA$68,713
Long Beach, CA$68,643
Anaheim, CA$68,633
Anchorage, AK$68,603
Santa Maria, CA$68,413
Everett, WA$68,403
Danbury, CT$68,183
Bremerton, WA$68,093
Tacoma, WA$67,863
New Suffolk, NY$67,863
Sacramento, CA$67,853
Santa Barbara, CA$67,783
Trenton, NJ$67,713
San Diego, CA$67,713
Brockton, MA$67,643
Fairbanks, AK$67,493
Lompoc, CA$67,333
Lowell, MA$67,273
Ventura, CA$67,263
Nashua, NH$67,253
Stockton, CA$67,243
Modesto, CA$66,793
Poughkeepsie, NY$66,653
Olympia, WA$66,533
Kennewick, WA$66,533
New Haven, CT$66,503
Lawrence, MA$66,283
Hartford, CT$66,223
Riverside, CA$66,203
New Bedford, MA$66,143
Richland, WA$66,143
Bakersfield, CA$66,053
San Bernardino, CA$66,033
New Britain, CT$66,023
Atlantic City, NJ$66,023
New London, CT$66,003
Norwich, CT$65,983
Portsmouth, NH$65,963
Boulder, CO$65,833
Portland, OR$65,743
Worcester, MA$65,743
Minneapolis, MN$65,543
Philadelphia, PA$65,463
Honolulu, HI$65,253
Saint Paul, MN$65,223
Vineland, NJ$65,213
Providence, RI$65,023
Chicago, IL$64,843
Bellingham, WA$64,773
Springfield, MA$64,723
Baltimore, MD$64,703
Chico, CA$64,543
Pittsfield, MA$64,373
Manchester, NH$64,253
Spokane, WA$63,983
Denver, CO$63,973
Albany, NY$63,673
Troy, NY$63,653
Nassau, NY$63,583
Schenectady, NY$63,523
Wilmington, DE$63,473
Burlington, VT$63,383
Salem, OR$63,353
Portland, ME$63,163
Yakima, WA$63,103
Rochester, MN$62,903
Reno, NV$62,873
Fresno, CA$62,873
Milwaukee, WI$62,823
Detroit, MI$62,753
Ann Arbor, MI$62,743
Allentown, PA$62,733
Colorado Springs, CO$62,633
Syracuse, NY$62,603
Carson City, NV$62,603
Houston, TX$62,513
Eugene, OR$62,483
Gary, IN$62,403
Springfield, OR$62,353
Bismarck, ND$62,343
Galveston, TX$62,293
Medford, OR$62,203
Fort Collins, CO$62,183
Concord, NH$62,143
Austin, TX$62,123
Mesa, AZ$61,993
Reading, PA$61,993
Phoenix, AZ$61,983
Dallas, TX$61,963
Saint Cloud, MN$61,903
Madison, WI$61,823
Utica, NY$61,653
Rochester, NY$61,553
Des Moines, IA$61,543
Raleigh, NC$61,543
Atlanta, GA$61,443
Battle Creek, MI$61,423
Salt Lake City, UT$61,403
Lancaster, PA$61,313
Harrisburg, PA$61,223
Kansas City, MO$61,163
Champaign, IL$61,153
Kansas City, KS$61,153
Fort Worth, TX$61,143
Columbus, OH$61,133
Boca Raton, FL$61,113
Pittsburgh, PA$61,093
Richmond, VA$61,063
Indianapolis, IN$61,053
Cleveland, OH$61,053
Las Vegas, NV$60,973
Cincinnati, OH$60,973
Petersburg, VA$60,883
Huntsville, AL$60,783
Lansing, MI$60,743
Lebanon, PA$60,733
Pueblo, CO$60,733
Appleton, WI$60,713
Buffalo, NY$60,683
Dayton, OH$60,663
Racine, WI$60,653
Charlotte, NC$60,643
Saint Louis, MO$60,633
York, PA$60,593
Elkhart, IN$60,593
Gastonia, NC$60,583
Billings, MT$60,563
Beaumont, TX$60,543
Lorain, OH$60,533
Benton Harbor, MI$60,523
Toledo, OH$60,513
Binghamton, NY$60,483
Rock Hill, SC$60,473
Rockford, IL$60,443
Springfield, IL$60,413
Elyria, OH$60,413
Fargo, ND$60,413
Flagstaff, AZ$60,363
Fort Lauderdale, FL$60,323
Duluth, MN$60,293
Miami, FL$60,293
Cheyenne, WY$60,243
Grand Forks, ND$60,243
Bangor, ME$60,113
Cedar Rapids, IA$60,043
Durham, NC$60,013
Louisville, KY$60,003
Grand Rapids, MI$59,993
Hialeah, FL$59,993
Casper, WY$59,903
Scranton, PA$59,823
Virginia Beach, VA$59,803
New Orleans, LA$59,803
Akron, OH$59,773
Peoria, IL$59,683
Sarasota, FL$59,673
Nashville, TN$59,633
Omaha, NE$59,633
Green Bay, WI$59,633
Baton Rouge, LA$59,603
Charleston, SC$59,583
Jamestown, NY$59,553
Davenport, IA$59,553
Tucson, AZ$59,523
Saint Petersburg, FL$59,483
Tampa, FL$59,473
Evansville, IN$59,433
Port Arthur, TX$59,433
Bradenton, FL$59,413
Santa Fe, NM$59,303
Orlando, FL$59,183
Clearwater, FL$59,163
Canton, OH$59,033
La Crosse, WI$59,033
Albuquerque, NM$58,993
Newport News, VA$58,993
High Point, NC$58,973
Ogden, UT$58,943
Corpus Christi, TX$58,893
Norfolk, VA$58,863
Laramie, WY$58,863
Rock Island, IL$58,823
Saginaw, MI$58,813
Jacksonville, FL$58,803
Salisbury, NC$58,793
Boise, ID$58,783
Moline, IL$58,743
Fort Myers, FL$58,723
Memphis, TN$58,713
Tulsa, OK$58,683
Waterloo, IA$58,643
Spartanburg, SC$58,583
Lincoln, NE$58,553
Fort Wayne, IN$58,543
Provo, UT$58,533
Cedar Falls, IA$58,463
San Antonio, TX$58,433
Greensboro, NC$58,413
South Bend, IN$58,403
Savannah, GA$58,333
Muskegon, MI$58,303
Birmingham, AL$58,303
Winston Salem, NC$58,273
Lake Charles, LA$58,123
Anderson, IN$58,103
Lexington, KY$58,093
Augusta, GA$58,073
Greenville, SC$58,073
Lima, OH$58,023
Wichita, KS$58,013
Tuscaloosa, AL$58,013
Columbia, SC$57,953
Springfield, OH$57,943
Asheville, NC$57,843
Bloomington, IN$57,803
Knoxville, TN$57,573
Shreveport, LA$57,563
Wilmington, NC$57,483
Roanoke, VA$57,483
Topeka, KS$57,373
Frankfort, KY$57,363
Oklahoma City, OK$57,323
Longview, TX$57,293
Chillicothe, OH$57,293
Melbourne, FL$57,283
Sioux Falls, SD$57,183
Mobile, AL$57,183
Terre Haute, IN$57,153
Altoona, PA$57,113
Amarillo, TX$57,073
Killeen, TX$57,053
Fayetteville, AR$57,003
Chattanooga, TN$56,983
Sioux City, IA$56,923
Idaho Falls, ID$56,913
Lynchburg, VA$56,863
Gainesville, FL$56,783
Portsmouth, OH$56,753
Little Rock, AR$56,743
Lafayette, LA$56,713
Youngstown, OH$56,713
Clarksville, TN$56,673
Daytona Beach, FL$56,673
Pensacola, FL$56,663
Temple, TX$56,663
Hopkinsville, KY$56,473
Erie, PA$56,463
Florence, SC$56,443
Charleston, WV$56,333
Great Falls, MT$56,303
Macon, GA$56,223
Tallahassee, FL$56,213
Fayetteville, NC$56,203
Waco, TX$56,183
Helena, MT$56,143
Pine Bluff, AR$56,123
Vincennes, IN$56,043
Lubbock, TX$56,013
Alamogordo, NM$55,983
Twin Falls, ID$55,923
Rapid City, SD$55,903
Jackson, MS$55,793
Huntington, WV$55,783
Greenville, MS$55,783
Parkersburg, WV$55,723
Montgomery, AL$55,713
Wichita Falls, TX$55,643
Springfield, MO$55,643
Biloxi, MS$55,613
Monroe, LA$55,553
Johnstown, PA$55,513
Columbus, GA$55,483
Sumter, SC$55,483
Pascagoula, MS$55,363
Abilene, TX$55,363
Kingsport, TN$55,193
Albany, GA$55,193
Gulfport, MS$55,173
Alexandria, LA$54,973
Fort Smith, AR$54,813
El Paso, TX$54,643
Las Cruces, NM$54,363
Harlingen, TX$54,203
Pocatello, ID$54,193
Florence, AL$54,113
Brownsville, TX$54,103
Mcallen, TX$53,963
Dothan, AL$53,883
Columbus, MS$53,503
Altus, OK$53,213
Lawton, OK$53,093
Pierre, SD$52,873
What Skills Can Increase a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III's Salary?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 1.78% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
Preventative Maintenance (Mentioned in 1.3% Job Postings): Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to increase equipment life expectancy and avoid unplanned downtime.
Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 0.98% Job Postings): Preventive maintenance is the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. Put simply, it's about fixing things before they break.
See More Skills
Skills
Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting
1.78%
Preventative Maintenance
1.3%
Preventive Maintenance
0.98%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay.
Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III's salary.
Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Lean: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill
Salary
Salary % Increase
Initiative
$65,263
4%
Written Communication
$64,636
3%
Lean
$64,008
2%
Visual Inspection
$63,381
1%
CAD
$63,381
1%
Problem Solving
$63,381
1%
Get Latest Data
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size.
Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,786.
While startup companies pay approximate $59,941.
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size
Company Size
Employees
Average Salary
Startup
1~50
$59,941
Growth Stage
51~500
$63,375
Established
501~5000
$68,373
Enterprise
5000+
$70,786
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors
For Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential
by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries).
Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense
sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average.
In contrast, Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay,
as these industries often view Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
The top paying industries for a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
Industry Sector
Average Annual Salary
Average Hourly Rate
Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology
$87,854
$42.0
40%
Aerospace & Defense
$81,579
$39.0
30%
Energy & Utilities
$72,166
$35.0
15%
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay
Understanding how a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting.
Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role.
Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Hourly
Monthly
Weekly
Yearly
Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$56,813
Average$62,753/year
$70,083
$4,734
Average$5,229/month
$5,840
$1,093
Average$1,207/week
$1,348
$27
Average$30/hour
$34
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
75th Percentile
$70,083
$5,840
$1,348
$34
Average
$62,753
$5,229
$1,207
$30
25th Percentile
$56,813
$4,734
$1,093
$27
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings.
As a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III, you have the following paths for advancement.
The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles.
By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role
Estimate Salary
Projected Raise
Manufacturing Machine Operator IV
$55,500
-12%
Expert Machinist
$73,400
17%
CNC Laser Machine Operator IV
$71,400
14%
Packing Line Operations Supervisor
$84,600
35%
Salaries of jobs related to Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
Salary Trends for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
Salaries for a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III can change over time,
reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy.
The median salary decreased from $47,491 in 2023
to around $47,039 in 2025,
reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy.
For a detailed analysis of Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III salary trends,
.
Average Annual Salary of Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III Over Time
2022
$???
2023
$47,491
2024
$47,355
2025
$47,039
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year
Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023
$47,491
2024
$47,355
2025
$47,039
2026
View More
2027
View More
Most common benefits for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
Here are companies hiring for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.
C
$128,509/per year
C R Bard Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
H
$124,697/per year
Henry Schein Canada
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$123,899/per year
Nordex Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$120,416/per year
Nipro Corp
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$115,870/per year
Enovis
Biotechnology
the United States
A
$114,553/per year
Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy
Biotechnology
the United States
M
$112,110/per year
MiniMed Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$111,500/per year
Labcorp Drug Development
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$110,229/per year
Life Technologies Corp
Biotechnology
the United States
Z
$106,224/per year
Zimmer Biomet
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$103,077/per year
Promontory Therapeutics
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$102,181/per year
Steris PLC
Biotechnology
the United States
G
$97,274/per year
Gavin Conferences Pty Ltd
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$94,764/per year
Endeavor BioMedicines
Biotechnology
the United States
R
$94,402/per year
Replay Holdings LLC
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$94,235/per year
Pleno Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$93,666/per year
Simulaids Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$88,880/per year
NOIRLab/CAS
Biotechnology
the United States
O
$86,468/per year
Onward Technology
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$84,895/per year
LED Medical Diagnostics Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$84,682/per year
Eyeco Ltd
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$84,523/per year
Paerosol
Biotechnology
the United States
I
$83,525/per year
IONIQ Sciences Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$82,815/per year
Stateside PPE
Biotechnology
the United States
D
$82,041/per year
Digi Bio
Biotechnology
the United States
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FAQ about Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III
1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III?
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III roles,
with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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