We reviewed over 50 job postings, and these were the most common skills listed, both required and considered as “nice-to-have’s”, that a CNC machinist should have in their metaphorical toolbox.
There is some overlap between the skills required to be a basic operator (sometimes called a Level 1 machinist), an experienced machinist (think Level 2 machinist), and a setup machinist (Level 3 machinist).
For example, while an operator may not be required to know G-code, a setup machinist is absolutely expected to be able to read and edit G-code. Knowing G-code, though, can differentiate you from other candidates and help you secure better-paying machinist positions.
So if you don’t have a skill today, identify one (or more) that are worth learning that can advance your career.
With that said, here’s a list and brief description of the top 10 most common skills that hiring managers like to see in CNC machinists.
Top 10 Skills for CNC Machinists
CNC Operation
Operating a CNC machine involves running pre-programmed jobs, monitoring machine performance, and ensuring parts are produced to spec. While setup determines how a job starts, operation ensures it runs smoothly from start to finish.
For students and entry-level machinists, learning CNC operation starts with understanding machine controls, safety protocols, and basic troubleshooting. Many shops train new hires on simpler machines or repetitive jobs to build confidence. Mid-career professionals should focus on mastering multiple machine types (mills, lathes, Swiss machines), understanding cycle optimization, and recognizing signs of tool wear or machine drift. Veteran machinists often oversee production runs, train operators, and work closely with programmers and quality teams to ensure throughput and consistency.
Tips for learning:
- Ask to shadow experienced operators during different shifts
- Practice reading and interpreting machine alarms and messages
- Learn how to verify part dimensions during and after a run
CNC Setup
Setup includes installing tools, setting work offsets, loading programs, and verifying that everything is aligned and ready. A well-executed setup reduces scrap, improves cycle time, and ensures first-part success.
Beginners often start by assisting with setups—learning how to use edge finders, dial indicators, and tool setters. As they gain experience, they’ll take on full setups, learning how to reduce setup time and avoid common mistakes like misaligned fixtures or incorrect tool lengths. Seasoned machinists are often responsible for complex setups involving multi-axis machines, tight tolerances, or exotic materials. Their expertise is critical in prototype work, short-run jobs, and high-mix environments.
Tips for learning:
- Study setup sheets and ask questions about fixture design and tool selection
- Practice setting work and tool offsets manually before relying on automation
- Learn how to verify setups with dry runs and first-article inspections
Blueprint Reading
Setup includes installing tools, setting work offsets, loading programs, and verifying that everything is aligned and ready. A well-executed setup reduces scrap, improves cycle time, and ensures first-part success.
Beginners often start by assisting with setups—learning how to use edge finders, dial indicators, and tool setters. As they gain experience, they’ll take on full setups, learning how to reduce setup time and avoid common mistakes like misaligned fixtures or incorrect tool lengths. Seasoned machinists are often responsible for complex setups involving multi-axis machines, tight tolerances, or exotic materials. Their expertise is critical in prototype work, short-run jobs, and high-mix environments.
Tips for learning:
- Study setup sheets and ask questions about fixture design and tool selection
- Practice setting work and tool offsets manually before relying on automation
- Learn how to verify setups with dry runs and first-article inspections
Inspection
Precision machining is nothing without precision measurement. Machinists must know how to use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to verify that parts meet spec.
Entry-level machinists should get comfortable with manual inspection tools and understand how to read tolerances. As they progress, learning how to use digital height gauges, optical comparators, and CMMs becomes essential—especially in industries like aerospace or medical devices. Experienced machinists often take on quality control responsibilities, helping to maintain ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485 standards.
Tips for learning:
- Start with calipers, micrometers, and height gauges. Learn how to zero them, take repeatable measurements, and read analog scales.
- Practice measuring parts with different tolerance requirements to see how precision affects inspection.
- Spend time in the inspection room to learn how first-article and in-process inspections are performed.
- Learn how to use CMMs, optical comparators, and surface finish testers. Many shops offer internal training or vendor-led demos.
Tolerance Holding
In precision machining, “tolerance holding” refers to a machinist’s ability to consistently produce parts within a specified dimensional window. It’s not just about hitting a number—it’s about understanding how to control variation, compensate for machine behavior, and maintain repeatability across a run.
For students and entry-level machinists, tolerance holding starts with understanding what tolerances mean. A ±0.005" tolerance might be acceptable for a bracket, but a ±0.0002" tolerance could be critical for a medical implant or aerospace component. Learning to measure accurately, monitor tool wear, and adjust offsets are key early steps. Mid-career professionals should focus on mastering tight-tolerance work, understanding how material properties and thermal expansion affect dimensions, and using inspection data to make proactive adjustments. Veteran machinists often specialize in ultra-precision work, where tolerances are in the tenths or microns, and where even coolant temperature or spindle load can influence results.
Tips for learning tolerance holding:
- Practice measuring parts with micrometers, bore gauges, and CMMs to understand real-world variation
- Study how different machining strategies (climb vs. conventional milling, roughing vs. finishing passes) affect dimensional accuracy
- Learn how to read and interpret tolerance callouts in GD&T, especially for features like true position, flatness, and concentricity
How to demonstrate this skill on a resume:
- Use specific tolerance ranges: “Consistently held ±0.0005” on stainless steel aerospace components”
- Mention inspection tools and processes: “Performed first-article and in-process inspections using micrometers, height gauges, and CMM”
- Highlight industries or standards: “Produced parts to AS9100 standards for aerospace applications”
Specific Operations
Precision machining isn’t just about running a machine—it’s about knowing how to execute specific operations that shape the part. From shoulder milling and facing to grooving, drilling, and tapping, each operation has its own strategy, tooling, and challenges.
Entry-level machinists should focus on understanding the purpose of each operation and how it affects part geometry. For example, facing creates a flat surface, while shoulder milling defines vertical walls and steps. Mid-career professionals should learn how to optimize these operations—adjusting feeds and speeds, selecting the right tool geometry, and minimizing tool deflection. Veterans often specialize in complex operations like deep-hole drilling, thread milling, or multi-axis contouring, where precision and process control are critical.
Tips for mastering machining operations:
- Watch toolpath simulations to understand how each operation works
- Practice on scrap material to build confidence with different tools and strategies
- Learn how to identify and correct issues like chatter, poor surface finish, or dimensional drift
- Study tooling catalogs to understand which tools are designed for specific operations
Shop Math
Shop math is the language of machining. It’s how machinists calculate speeds and feeds, determine tool offsets, convert units, and verify tolerances. While it’s not advanced calculus, it’s essential for making informed decisions on the shop floor.
New machinists should focus on mastering decimals, fractions, basic geometry, and unit conversions (especially inch-to-mm). Mid-level professionals should be comfortable with trigonometry for layout work, calculating bolt hole circles, and understanding sine bar setups. Veterans often use math to troubleshoot complex setups, optimize toolpaths, or communicate with engineers about design intent.
Tips for mastering shop math:
- Use a machinist calculator (like the Machinist Calc Pro for Apple or Android) or apps that simplify feeds and speeds
- Practice converting between imperial and metric units—many shops use both
- Learn how to calculate RPM, surface footage, and chip load based on material and tooling
- Keep a cheat sheet of common formulas at your workstation
G-code
G-codes are used to create part programs, which direct CNC machines to create a part. Part programs consist of blocks, which contain words that are a combination of a letter address and a numerical value. N-codes name or title a program block. G-codes describe the operation that the machine will perform. X, Y, and Z-codes determine the cutting operation location. F and S-codes set the feed and speed, T-codes signal the correct cutting tool, and M-codes complete other miscellaneous functions.
Depending on your career stage (be that an entry-level operator or a seasoned setup machinist), G-code expertise can vary. It will be highly beneficial for Level 1 and 2 machinists to be familiar with G-code and read it, respectively, and it’s a critical skill that’s required of Level 3 machinists.
Tips for learning:
- Learn basic commands like G00 (rapid), G01 (linear), G02/G03 (circular), and M-codes for machine functions
- Free or low-cost G-code simulators let you test programs without risking a crash. Try NC Viewer or CAMotics
- Even if you use CAM software, writing simple programs manually helps you understand how machines interpret instructions
- Learn how CAM software generates G-code and how to tweak it for better performance. Mastercam, Fusion 360, and SolidCAM are popular platforms
Material Familiarity
Most machine shops work with very common materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. Some shops make a point to offer CNC machining services for more exotic metals, such as Inconel, titanium, and Hastelloy. Hard-to-machine materials like these are typically offered to critical industries like aerospace or medical device.
Keep note of what materials you’ve worked with over the course of your career, and seek out opportunities to work with unfamiliar ones. Then, be sure to add those materials to your resume so that hiring managers and recruitment tools (like FactoryFix) can account for the types of material you know how to machine.
Pro tip 💡 If you’re interested in a specific shop’s job opportunities, go to their company website and see if they have a material index of what parts they work with. To see an example, check out Hirsh’s material index.
Tips for learning:
- Learn how hardness, ductility, and thermal conductivity affect machinability (start with common materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium)
- Keep a log of what materials you’ve machined, what tools you used, and what challenges you faced
- They often provide charts and recommendations for feeds, speeds, and tool selection based on material
- Try different cutting strategies to see how materials respond—especially when surface finish or burr control is critical
Computer Literacy
Computer literacy isn’t optional—it’s essential. Machinists use computers for everything from checking emails and reviewing setup sheets to programming parts and logging inspection data. Being comfortable with both general and industry-specific software makes you more efficient and more promotable.
Entry-level machinists should learn how to navigate Windows, use Microsoft Outlook for communication, and access shared files or setup sheets. Mid-career professionals should be fluent in CAM software, ERP systems (like JobBOSS or ProShop), and digital inspection tools. Veterans often help manage digital workflows, troubleshoot software issues, and train others on new platforms.
Tips for mastering computer literacy:
- Learn keyboard shortcuts and file management basics to speed up daily tasks
- Practice using email professionally—especially when communicating with engineers or customers
- Explore your shop’s ERP or MES system to understand how jobs are tracked and scheduled
- Take advantage of vendor webinars or tutorials for CAM and shop management software
Whether you're a student exploring manufacturing for the first time or a young professional looking to sharpen your skills, the precision machining industry offers a clear path to growth. From blueprint reading to G-code programming, every skill you learn builds toward a career that’s hands-on, high-tech, and in demand.
Start by asking questions. Shadow experienced machinists. Take notes. Make mistakes—and learn from them. The industry needs the next generation of machinists who are ready to think critically, work precisely, and grow continuously.
Looking for your first opportunity? Reach out to local machine shops, technical schools, or apprenticeship programs. Many employers are eager to train motivated individuals who want to build a career in manufacturing.
Amanda White
