CNC Machinist (5-Axis)
Program and run 5-axis CNC mills and lathes
About the profession
5-axis CNC machinists run the most complex metalworking centers — programming complex geometries, setting up workholding, and hitting tolerances most shops can't touch.
How to Get Started
Take a personality test to see if CNC Machinist (5-Axis) fits your profile
Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
Jump to Career Path →Start learning — check the Learning Path for free courses
Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Entry CNC Operator → CNC Machinist → 5-Axis Specialist → CNC Programmer/Lead
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
120K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $55,000 - $71,000/year With equity/bonuses: $60,500 - $85,200 Top markets (SF/NYC): $63,000 - $85,000 Execute core tasks using CAM programming…
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior — daily schedule breakdown
9am — Review priorities and respond to urgent items 10am — Team standup and progress check 11am — Deep work using CAM programming 1pm — Cross-functional meeting with stakeholders…
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $38,500 - $49,500 Year 2-3: Junior level $55,000 - $75,750 Year 4-6: Mid level $75,750 - $90,750 Year 7-10: Senior level $90,750 - $110,250 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions — answer honestly
You find the craft of a CNC Machinist (5-Axis) genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with CAM programming and 5-axis setup You communicate clearly with…
💰 Salary Range
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