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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Operator in Minnesota is $60,211 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 | $66,600 | $5,550 | $1,281 | $32 |
| Average | $60,211 | $5,018 | $1,158 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,377 | $4,531 | $1,046 | $26 |
Express Employment Professionals Defunct - Burnsville, MN
Masterson Staffing - Isanti, MN
Staffmark - Alexandria, MN
Aerotek - Saint Cloud, MN
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 | $46,849 |
| CNC Opera... Level CNC Operator | $59,741 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $67,011 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $74,751 |
| Machine S... Level CNC Operator | $66,946 |
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 | $72,253 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $69,243 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $69,243 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $67,436 | $32.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $66,232 | $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 | $66,600 | $5,550 | $1,281 | $32 |
| Average | $60,211 | $5,018 | $1,158 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,377 | $4,531 | $1,046 | $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.
Minnesota Jobs
Alexandria, MN
Minnesota Jobs | Alexandria, MN
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Minnesota Jobs
Big Lake, MN
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CNC Operator. As a CNC Operator, you will be responsible for operating Citizen Swiss machines to produce small parts for the medical industry. You will man... more
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Minnesota Jobs
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Jobs | Minneapolis, MN
CNC Operator 1st Shift. This role focuses on operating CNC Haas mills and lathes in a collaborative, relaxed shop environment. You will primarily run CNC m... more
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Continental Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc (CEM)
Frazee, MN
Continental Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc (CEM) | Frazee, MN
Job Description. Job Description. Continental Engineering and Manufacturing is a family-owned manufacturing company based in Chaska and Frazee, Minnesota. ... more
4 Days Ago
Broadway Equipment Company
Minneapolis, MN
Broadway Equipment Company | Minneapolis, MN
Broadway Equipment Company is a family-owned car wash manufacturer in Minneapolis, Minnesota that has been in business for over 40 years selling to car dea... more
5 Days Ago
Doherty Staffing
Mcgregor, MN
Doherty Staffing | Mcgregor, MN
Job Title. CNC Operator. Location. McGregor, MN. Compensation. $18.00-$23.00 per hour – paid weekly. Job Type. Temp-to-Hire | Full-time. About the Opportun... more
6 Days Ago
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