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CNC Machine Operator II Salary in the United States

How much does a CNC Machine Operator II make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Operator II in the United States is $62,621 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a CNC Machine Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,101
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,756 to $69,677
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,416
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View as table View as graph 25% $56,756 10% $51,416 90% $76,101 75% $69,677 $62,621 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

CNC Machine Operator II Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $69,677 $5,806 $1,340 $33
Average $62,621 $5,218 $1,204 $30
25th Percentile $56,756 $4,730 $1,091 $27
Check out CNC Machine Operator II Job Openings in the United States
Machine Operator CNC

United Gear & Assembly - HUDSON, WI

Machine Operator CNC

United Gear & Assembly - HUDSON, WI

CNC Machine Operator

United Gear & Assembly - HUDSON, WI

CNC Machine Operator

Saelens Corporation - JOHNSON CREEK, WI

Search More CNC Machine Operator II Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence CNC Machine Operator II Salaries

A CNC Machine Operator II'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CNC Machine Operator II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machine Operator II'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $60,695
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $60,870
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $63,148
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $66,096
  • Expert (over 8 years): $66,307
Levels Salary
Entry Level CNC Machine Operator II$60,695
Intermediate Level CNC Machine Operator II$60,870
Senior Level CNC Machine Operator II$63,148
Specialist Level CNC Machine Operator II$66,096
Expert Level CNC Machine Operator II$66,307
$60,695 0 yr
$60,870 < 2 yrs
$63,148 2-4 yrs
$66,096 5-8 yrs
$66,307 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for CNC Machine Operator IIs

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: $78,984
  • San Francisco: $78,207
  • Oakland: $76,473

What Skills Can Increase a CNC Machine Operator II'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 CNC Machine Operator II'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
$65,126
4%
Written Communication
$64,500
3%
Lean
$63,873
2%
Visual Inspection
$63,247
1%
CAD
$63,247
1%
Problem Solving
$63,247
1%
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How Education impacts a CNC Machine Operator II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Machine Operator IIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CNC Machine Operator II with a Associate's Degree is between $59,874 and $64,349).

CNC Machine Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for CNC Machine Operator II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 76.1%
Associates 19.3%
Bachelors 2.3%
Masters 1.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
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CNC Machine Operator II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Machine Operator II'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.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

CNC Machine Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a CNC Machine Operator II, 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.

CNC Machine Operator II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Machine Operator IV $65,152 4%
Machinist IV $73,274 17%
CNC Machine Operator III $71,254 14%
Packaging Supervisor $84,384 35%

Salary Trends for CNC Machine Operator II

Salaries for a CNC Machine Operator II 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 CNC Machine Operator II salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of CNC Machine Operator II 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 CNC Machine Operator II

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for CNC Machine Operator II

Here are companies hiring for CNC Machine Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about CNC Machine Operator II

1. Where can a CNC Machine Operator II earn the most?

A CNC Machine Operator II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a CNC Machine Operator II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CNC Machine Operator II is $78,984.

2. What is the highest pay for CNC Machine Operator II?

The highest pay for CNC Machine Operator II is $76,101.

3. What is the lowest pay for CNC Machine Operator II?

The lowest pay for CNC Machine Operator II is $51,416.

4. What are the responsibilities of CNC Machine Operator II?

Responsible for operating one or more types of computer numeric controlled production equipment. Selects appropriate settings and makes adjustments as necessary. Follows established quality and safety standards. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

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.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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