Job Opportunities

CNC Operators

CNC Operators at the entry level typically earn approximately $17 to $18 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $25.48 per hour.

Sector: Advanced Manufacturing

About the Job:

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators are skilled technicians who set up, operate, and maintain computer-controlled machinery to produce precision metal and plastic parts. Their responsibilities include reading blueprints, inputting specifications into machines, monitoring operations, and ensuring quality control.

Education & Training Requirements:

Training programs typically range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the depth of the curriculum and whether the path includes certifications or associate degrees.

Where Are the Jobs in Mississippi:

CNC Operators are employed across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries. Key employment hubs include:

Columbus
Jackson
Gulfport
Olive Branch
Bay Saint Louis

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Find Your Training Location

East Central Community College

Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology

The Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology Program is located at the Manufacturing and Innovation Center on the Neshoba Central High School campus in Philadelphia (1123 Golf Course Road). It is an instructional program that prepares individuals to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, and milling machines. Included is instruction in making computations related to work dimensions, testing, feeds, and speeds of machines; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges; machining and heat-treating various metals; and laying out machine parts. Also included is instruction in the operation and maintenance of computer equipment. All graduating students will take a career readiness exam - CRC (Career Readiness Certificate). Students can earn a bronze, silver, gold or platinum (CRC) credential. Students completing the Career & Technical program will have an opportunity to earn the National Institute for Metal Working Skills (NIMS) credential Level I. These credentials are in addition to the certificate and/or the associate of applied science degree that the students receive.

East Mississippi Community College

Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology

East Mississippi Community College is proud to offer a two-semester technical certificate and a four-semester Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Precision Machining and Manufacturing on our Golden Triangle Campus. Courses are taught in a state-of-the-art machine shop and cover topics such as safety, blueprint reading, late and milling machine operation, theory and operation of basic Computer Numerical Control equipment, metallurgy, production methods, and shop math.

Hinds Community College

Precision Manufacturing Machining Technology

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to manufacture precision parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment. Included is instruction in making computations related to work dimensions, testing, feeds, and speeds of machines. In addition, individuals use precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges; machine and heat-treat various metals; and lay out machine parts. Also included is instruction in the operation and maintenance of computerized equipment.

Holmes Community College

Precision Machining Technology

Precision Machining Technology program provides students with advanced skills that are important to the local industrial and manufacturing community, preparing them for a wide range of highly technical careers. A precision machinist works very much like a sculptor, starting out with a large amount of material and eventually removing material to create something of great value. This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or a Technical Certificate.

Jones College

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, and milling machines. Included is instruction in making computations related to work dimensions, testing feeds and speeds of machines; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges; machining and heat-treating various metals; and laying out machine parts. Also included is instruction in the operation and maintenance of computerized equipment.

The Precision Manufacturing and Machining program is designed to prepare the student for employment and advancement as an entry level machine operator.

Meridian Community College

Precision Machining Engineering Technology

Precision Machining Engineering Technology students receive instruction in lathe and mill operations, computer numerical control programming, print reading, applied mathematics, precision measurement, CNC operation, computer-aided design and manufacturing, fixture engineering, process control, and production management.

This program is designed with three different levels of completion. In the one-year certificate program, students learn the basic skills required for machinists. The two-year certificate program is designed to teach basic skills as well as advanced manufacturing procedures in the area of Computer Numerical Control (CNC). The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program is a continuation of advanced skills, as well as academic courses needed to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Upon completion of the program, students receive certification from The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Mississippi Delta Community College

Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology

Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology instructs its students in making computations relating to working dimensions, tooling, feeds and speeds of machinery. Instruction in the laboratory is provided in the use of lathes, shapers, milling machines, grinders; the use of precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges; methods of machining and heat treating and testing of various metals; and the reading of blueprint parts. Advanced training is available in technical mathematics, mechanical drawing, industrial psychology, safety and shop management.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, and milling machines.

What Students Learn

Instruction in making computations related to work dimensions, testing, feeds, and speeds of machines
Using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges
Machining and heat-treating various metals
Laying out machine parts
Instruction in the operation and maintenance of computerized equipment

Career Opportunities

Precision Machinist
General Machinist
Machine tool operator
Tool and die maker

Degree Options and Requirements

This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is preparatory for employment upon graduation from MGCCC. Where a transfer to four-year college or university is desired, a conference should be scheduled with a MGCCC advisor.

All students completing a career or technical program must complete a MGCCC Board- approved Technical Skills Attainment where applicable. Students should see an advisor for further details.

Pearl River Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College

Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology

Applied Machine Tool and Die Technology is a progressive Certificate Program designed with the flexibility to equip skills and technological employment needs of Machine Tool and Die firms.

Instruction in this program includes competencies and essentials of mathematics and technology linked with the application of conventional computers and machines, and computer numerical control operations. Machine tool and die makers use design processes with CNC and wire EDM equipment.

Machine tool and die makers are highly skilled workers who utilize industrial management techniques, metrology process control, and technical problem-solving techniques in producing tools, dies, and specially designed devices that are used in machines that produce a variety of products from clothing and furniture to heavy equipment.

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to manufacture metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and Computer Numerical Control equipment. Entry into the postsecondary program is based upon mastery of Baseline Competencies which are taught in the secondary programs. Students who do not possess such skills must complete additional coursework in order to graduate from the program.