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$48,810 earning potential
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) operators use computer-programmed machines to manufacture precision parts for a variety of different products. The machines drill, cut and shape the raw materials into metal and plastic parts.
You pay attention to details
You want to learn something new every day
You're a good listener
You want to create useful things
You're patient
CNC TECHNICIAN
Hometown: Valley Springs
Age: 22
Where I trained: North Arkansas College CNC program and on-the-job training
What I Earned: Certificate of Proficiency in Engineering
Employer: Pace Industries in Harrison
Median Annual Wages
Median Hourly Wage
Expected Growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas
When you’re tearing into something like a problem and you figure it out, it’s a pretty good feeling. Writing programs, doing changeovers for different parts, it makes the time go by pretty fast. It’s pretty nice. I just like the variety of things."
Tommy started out doing production for Pace Industries. After a few months, his boss asked him to take a CNC class so that he could be a CNC technician for the company.
The first numerical control (NC) machines were built in the 1940s, and slightly more advanced machines were developed in the 1950s. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the computer numerical control (CNC) machines we now know came along, and they have been greatly improved over the past decades.
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