Manufacturing Career Pathways
Table of Contents
As a vital part of the manufacturing and industrial engineering team, CNC machinists create code to control the machining and processing of materials to make parts. They typically serve as builders, fabricators, mechanics, craftspeople, and quality assurance specialists rolled into one.
Machine workers, fabricators, and welders set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies.
Manufacturing jobs process raw goods through heavy machinery and produce new items to be sold on either a large or small scale.
Visit our manufacturing education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana manufacturing training programs. Also, check out the Manufacturing Career Infographics from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
CNC Machining
Education:
Entry-level manufacturing roles typically do not require a bachelor’s degree. Jobs like CNC operator only require a high school diploma or GED to get started. Additionally, some companies offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training, and multiple two-year colleges throughout Montana offer training programs that teach the basics of CNC machining.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in CNC machining include CNC machinist and CNC programmer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
National Growth Rate: 21%
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Median MT Salary: $76,000
National Growth Rate: 21%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Blueprint reading
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products
Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools like 3D printing and operating heavy machinery
Programming languages like Python or C
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Understanding M and G codes for CNC machines
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Detail-oriented
Problem-solving
Strong math skills
Education:
Entry-level fabrication and welding jobs typically require a high school diploma. Courses in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, and mechanical drawing may be helpful. Additionally, some companies offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in fabrication & welding include welder and manufacturing engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Fabrication & Welding
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $44,000
MT Growth Rate: 8%
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Median MT Salary: $79,000
MT Growth Rate: 36%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Blueprint reading
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products
Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools like 3D printing and operating heavy machinery
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Detail-oriented
Problem-solving
Strong math skills
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.