How to Become an Apprentice CNC Machinist (Step-by-Step Guide)
An apprenticeship is the gold standard for getting into the cnc machinist trade. You get paid from day one, graduate with zero debt, and walk out the other side as a fully qualified journeyman. Here's how the whole thing works.
What Is an Apprenticeship?
Think of an apprenticeship as a combination of a job and a school program, except your employer pays you to learn. You'll spend most of your time working alongside experienced cnc machinists on real job sites, learning the craft hands-on. On top of that, you'll attend classroom instruction -- typically one or two nights a week or in block sessions.
The whole thing usually takes 4 years. By the end, you'll have thousands of hours of real-world experience, a solid education in the theory behind the work, and a journeyman credential that opens doors everywhere.
Pay During Your Apprenticeship
One of the best parts of an apprenticeship is getting paid from day one. Your starting wage is a percentage of the journeyman rate, and it goes up every year as you gain experience. Based on the current national median for cnc machinists ($24/hr), here's what the progression looks like:
| Year | % of Journeyman Rate | Estimated Hourly | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $9.60/hr | $19,968/yr |
| Year 2 | 50% | $12/hr | $24,960/yr |
| Year 3 | 60% | $14.40/hr | $29,952/yr |
| Year 4 | 75% | $18/hr | $37,440/yr |
| Year 5 | 90% | $21.60/hr | $44,928/yr |
| Journeyman | 100% | $24/hr | $49,900/yr |
How to Apply
- 1
Meet the basic requirements
You'll need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, and be able to pass a drug test. Some programs also require basic math and reading aptitude tests.
- 2
Research programs in your area
Check with local union halls, community colleges, and trade schools. Compare union and non-union options. Talk to people who've been through the programs if you can.
- 3
Apply during the enrollment window
Most apprenticeship programs accept applications once or twice a year. Don't miss the window -- mark it on your calendar and have your documents ready ahead of time.
- 4
Ace the interview
Show up on time, dress professionally, and be honest about why you want to enter the trade. They want to see that you're reliable, motivated, and willing to put in the work. Prior construction experience helps but isn't always required.
- 5
Start learning and earning
Once accepted, you'll begin working immediately. Show up early, ask questions, and soak up everything the journeymen teach you. Your first year is about proving yourself and building a strong foundation.
What to Expect
A typical day as an apprentice cnc machinist starts early -- usually around 6 or 7 AM. You'll work alongside a journeyman for 8-10 hours, doing everything from grunt work to increasingly complex tasks as you gain experience.
On top of your workday, you'll attend classroom instruction. This is usually 1-2 evenings per week or in block sessions. You'll study theory, code, safety, and the technical side of the trade. Yes, there's homework. No, you can't skip it.
It's physically demanding work. You'll be on your feet all day, often in uncomfortable conditions -- crawl spaces, attics, rooftops, trenches. The first year is the hardest. But every year gets easier as you learn more and take on more responsibility (and earn more money).
Union vs Non-Union Apprenticeships
Union apprenticeships through the trade union are generally considered the gold standard. The training is structured, the pay scales are guaranteed, and you graduate into a union job with full benefits. The downside is they can be competitive to get into.
Non-union apprenticeships are often easier to find and get into. Quality varies -- some are excellent, others are basically just cheap labor. Do your research before committing.
Read our full union vs non-union cnc machinist breakdown →Frequently Asked Questions
CNC Machinist apprentices typically start at about 40-50% of the journeyman rate, which works out to roughly $9.60/hr in the first year. Pay increases each year as you gain skills and experience, reaching about 90% of the journeyman rate by the final year of your apprenticeship.
A full cnc machinist apprenticeship usually takes 4 years. This includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Some programs may offer accelerated tracks if you have prior experience or education.
Most cnc machinist apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some programs also look at math skills and mechanical aptitude. A clean driving record and the ability to pass a drug test are typically required. You don't need any prior trade experience to apply.
Union apprenticeships (like those through the trade union) tend to be more structured, with set curricula and guaranteed pay scales. Non-union apprenticeships may be more flexible but vary widely in quality. Union programs often provide free training, while non-union routes sometimes involve trade school tuition.
Absolutely. There's no maximum age for most apprenticeship programs. Many people switch careers into the trades in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Your life experience and work ethic can actually be advantages. The key is being physically able to handle the work and willing to start at the bottom of the pay scale.