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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Operator in Louisiana is $55,945 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
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 | $61,881 | $5,157 | $1,190 | $30 |
| Average | $55,945 | $4,662 | $1,076 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,524 | $4,210 | $972 | $24 |
LED FastStart - Alexandria, LA
LED FastStart - Livingston, LA
Benoit Premium Threading - Houma, LA
GLO Resources - Rayne, LA
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 | $43,530 |
| CNC Opera... Level CNC Operator | $55,509 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $62,263 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $69,455 |
| Machine S... Level CNC Operator | $62,203 |
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 | $67,134 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $64,337 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $64,337 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $62,658 | $30.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $61,539 | $30.0 | 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 | $61,881 | $5,157 | $1,190 | $30 |
| Average | $55,945 | $4,662 | $1,076 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,524 | $4,210 | $972 | $24 |
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.
Savard Labor & Marine Personnel
Hammond, LA
Savard Labor & Marine Personnel | Hammond, LA
CNC Waterjet Operator. Join Savard Personnel Group - where your skills are valued. Key requirements. Must be able to set up and calibrate water jet machine... more
2 Days Ago
The Theodoros Group
Broussard, LA
The Theodoros Group | Broussard, LA
Job Description. Job Description. CNC Lathe Machinist I (Entry Level). $16-$19/hr. Day Shift. Position Summary. The CNC Lathe Machinist I is responsible fo... more
3 Days Ago
Undisclosed
New Orleans, LA
Undisclosed | New Orleans, LA
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking an experienced CNC Plasma Operator/Burner Operator who has used the plasma burner machine and an oxy-fuel ... more
6 Days Ago
Onin Staffing
Port Allen, LA
Onin Staffing | Port Allen, LA
Warehouse Operator / CNC Panel Saw Operator. Lake Charles, LA. Full-Time | MondayFriday | Day Shift. Temp-to-Hire. Build More Than a CareerBuild Your Futur... more
5 Days Ago
LED FastStart
Scott, LA
LED FastStart | Scott, LA
Production Machine Operator. Night shift is Monday-Thursday, 3PM-2AM. Must be able to pass a drug screen (ZERO THC tolerance policy). Sets-up and operates ... more
2 Days Ago
Custom Tool & Machine, Inc.
HOLLINS, VA
Custom Tool & Machine, Inc. | HOLLINS, VA
At a glance Company: Custom Tool & Machine Location: Roanoke, Virginia Pay: $23.00–$28.00/hr DOE Job Type: Full-Time Shift: First Shift • Flexible Start Be... more
2 Days Ago
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