CNC machinist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinists make precision parts for the engineering and manufacturing industries.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.
Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.
Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.

Average salary
19,785 GBP *
per year

Average salary for CNC machinist

20,817 GBP
19,457 GBP

Average salary for part-time CNC machinist

Average salary for full-time CNC machinist

Showing:

10,757 GBP
10,098 GBP

19,785 GBP
19,457 GBP
20,817 GBP

Salary over time for CNC machinist

Salary for this role has increased over time

16,070 GBP
16,535 GBP
16,599 GBP
17,042 GBP
18,195 GBP
19,648 GBP
19,785 GBP
19,223 GBP

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Future outlook for CNC machinists

Very good outlook

16 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

3% yearly wage growth (on average)

Fair outlook

69% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a CNC machinist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

32% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
20% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
17% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree

You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills that employers want. Relevant courses include:

Level 1 Certificate in Performing Engineering Operations
Level 1 Certificate in Engineering and Manufacturing
Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a CNC machinist

Engineering

Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

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CNC machinist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for CNC machinists

CNC machinist - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your CNC machinist interview

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