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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Operator in Virginia is $59,252 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
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 | $65,539 | $5,462 | $1,260 | $32 |
| Average | $59,252 | $4,938 | $1,139 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,510 | $4,459 | $1,029 | $26 |
Dixon Valve - Winchester, VA
Strategic HR Client - Falls Church, VA
Aerotek - Mechanicsville, VA
Gropen, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
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 | $46,103 |
| CNC Opera... Level CNC Operator | $58,790 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $65,944 |
| Machinist... Level CNC Operator | $73,560 |
| Machine S... Level CNC Operator | $65,879 |
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 | $71,102 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $68,140 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $68,140 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $66,362 | $32.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $65,177 | $31.0 | 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 | $65,539 | $5,462 | $1,260 | $32 |
| Average | $59,252 | $4,938 | $1,139 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,510 | $4,459 | $1,029 | $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.
International Marine and Industrial Applicators
Portsmouth, VA
International Marine and Industrial Applicators | Portsmouth, VA
About the Organization. IMIA,LLC is the only national marine surface preparation painting contractor servicing every U.S. Port with a mobile full time work... more
10 Days Ago
Kennametal Inc
New Market, VA
Kennametal Inc | New Market, VA
CNC Operator I - Entry. Location: New Market, VA, US On-site or Remote: REQ ID: 48278. Summary: Operating an automated machine such as a CNC or other machi... more
3 Days Ago
Quality Archery Designs
Madison Heights, VA
Quality Archery Designs | Madison Heights, VA
CNC Machine Operator. Quality Archery Designs (QAD) has been manufacturing innovative and high-quality archery accessories in Madison Heights, VA since 199... more
2 Days Ago
Progeny Systems (Acquired by General Dynamics)
Marion, VA
Progeny Systems (Acquired by General Dynamics) | Marion, VA
Job Title. Job Title. Basic Qualifications. High school diploma or GED. One year work experience with CNC equipment in a manufacturing environment. Departm... more
2 Days Ago
Aerotek
Charlottesville, VA
Aerotek | Charlottesville, VA
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3 Days Ago
Dixon Valve
Winchester, VA
Dixon Valve | Winchester, VA
CNC/Material Prep Operator. CNC/Material Prep Operator Location: 325 Arbor Court, Winchester, VA 22602 Work Hours: 12:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday through Frid... more
4 Days Ago
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