As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machinist Setup/Operator in the United States is $41,659 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a CNC Machinist Setup/Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Machinist Setup/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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machinist Setup/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 |
|---|---|
| CNC Machi... Level CNC Machinist Setup/Operator | $41,422 |
| Machine O... Level CNC Machinist Setup/Operator | $46,031 |
| Machine O... Level CNC Machinist Setup/Operator | $52,218 |
| Machine O... Level CNC Machinist Setup/Operator | $56,143 |
| Machine O... Level CNC Machinist Setup/Operator | $81,501 |
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 Machinist Setup/Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.86% |
| Machine Operation | 3.15% |
| Container | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CNC
|
$44,575 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$43,325 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$42,909 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$42,909 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$42,492 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$42,492 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Machinist Setup/Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CNC Machinist Setup/Operator with a No Diploma is between $37,041 and $39,424).
CNC Machinist Setup/Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.4% |
| High School | 69.8% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 7.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a CNC Machinist Setup/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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a CNC Machinist Setup/Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,727 in 2023 to around $38,191 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Machinist Setup/Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,727 |
| 2024 | $38,447 |
| 2025 | $38,191 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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