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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Operator in Illinois is $59,976 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a CNC Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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CNC Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,339 | $5,528 | $1,276 | $32 |
| Average | $59,976 | $4,998 | $1,153 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,164 | $4,514 | $1,042 | $26 |
Veracity Solutions - Bloomington, IL
Oberg Industries - Chicago, IL
Wieland - Lake Zurich, IL
Mercury Plastics, Inc - Chicago, IL
A CNC Operator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $46,666 |
| CNC Opera... Level CNC Operator | $59,508 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $66,749 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $74,458 |
| Machine S... Level CNC Operator | $66,684 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For CNC Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CNC Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $71,971 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $68,972 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $68,972 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $67,173 | $32.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $65,973 | $32.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a CNC Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,339 | $5,528 | $1,276 | $32 |
| Average | $59,976 | $4,998 | $1,153 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,164 | $4,514 | $1,042 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Trillium Staffing
Morton, IL
Trillium Staffing | Morton, IL
Trillium Staffing - - Responsibilities: Operate a variety of CNC machines including brake press and hydraulic shears. Bend and shape sheet metal into desir... more
3 Days Ago
Advance Services
Bridgeview, IL
Advance Services | Bridgeview, IL
CNC Operator. Bridgeview, IL 60455. Job Number: 289628 Pay Rate: $20.00. Job Description. 2nd Shift CNC Operators Pay: $20-$30 based on experience Direct H... more
4 Days Ago
Trillium Staffing
Wyoming, IL
Trillium Staffing | Wyoming, IL
CNC Operator. Trillium Staffing has multiple openings for CNC Operators in Wyoming, IL. Trillium Staffing is hiring experienced CNC Operators to run CNC ma... more
4 Days Ago
Aerotek
Rockford, IL
Aerotek | Rockford, IL
CNC Operator | 2nd + 3rd Shift. Join a growing manufacturing team with advancement opportunities. Are you experienced with CNC mills or lathes and looking ... more
5 Days Ago
Sonepar Group
Normal, IL
Sonepar Group | Normal, IL
CNC Operator. The Machine Technician's primary responsibility is to run, monitor, maintain and maintenance the manufacturing machines located at the Soluti... more
5 Days Ago
Deltrol Fluid Products
Chicago, IL
Deltrol Fluid Products | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. CNC Lathe Set-up Person and Operator. Essential Functions. Understand and execute company prints, drawings, and instr more
5 Days Ago
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