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CNC Machine Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Operator III in the United States is $62,731 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,744
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,792 to $70,066
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,385
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CNC Machine Operator III Salaries

A CNC 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CNC Machine Operator III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC 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 Machine Operator I (1-3 years): $49,523
  • CNC Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $62,731
  • CNC Machine Operator III (5-7 years): $71,330
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
CNC Machine Operator I1-3 years$49,523
CNC Machine Operator III3-5 years$62,731
CNC Machine Operator III5-7 years$71,330
View as Graph

How Do CNC Machine Operator IIIs 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 CNC Machine Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,456.
  • California: $69,192.
  • Massachusetts: $68,270.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Machine Operator III

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: $79,123
  • San Francisco: $78,256
  • Oakland: $76,607

What Skills Can Increase a CNC 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 1.78%
Preventative Maintenance 1.3%
Preventive Maintenance 0.98%
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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 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 $65,240
4%
Written Communication $64,613
3%
Lean $63,986
2%
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CNC Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

CNC 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 $70,761. While startup companies pay approximate $59,920.

CNC Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $59,920
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,353
Established 501~5000 $68,349
Enterprise 5000+ $70,761

CNC Machine Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC 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, CNC Machine Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Machine Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$87,823$42.040%
Aerospace & Defense$81,550$39.030%
Energy & Utilities$72,141$35.015%

How Education impacts an CNC Machine Operator III's Salary?

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

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an CNC Machine Operator III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,227 and $64,752.

CNC Machine Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for CNC Machine Operator III
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%
View as Graph

CNC Machine Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC 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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$56,792
Average $62,731/year
$70,066
$4,733
Average $5,228/month
$5,839
$1,092
Average $1,206/week
$1,347
$27
Average $30/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,066 $5,839 $1,347 $34
Average $62,731 $5,228 $1,206 $30
25th Percentile $56,792 $4,733 $1,092 $27

CNC Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

CNC Machine Operator III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a CNC 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Machine Operator IV $55,445 -12%
Machinist IV $73,364 17%
CNC Machine Operator IV $71,330 14%
Packaging Supervisor $84,517 35%

Most common benefits for CNC Machine Operator III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for CNC Machine Operator III

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

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FAQ about CNC Machine Operator III

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

A CNC Machine Operator III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CNC Machine Operator III is $79,123.

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

The highest pay for CNC Machine Operator III is $76,744.

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

The lowest pay for CNC Machine Operator III is $51,385.

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

Operates computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate parts according to engineering specifications and blueprints. Sets up machines by loading raw materials, installing tooling, and inputting or selecting the appropriate programs for each production run. Monitors machine operation throughout production cycles to detect malfunctions, tool wear, or deviations from tolerances. Inspects finished parts to verify conformance to quality standards. Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments to keep equipment running efficiently and to minimize downtime. Documents production output, machine settings, and quality results to support traceability and process improvement. 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for CNC Machine Operator III?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC 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.

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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