When choosing a career path, potential earnings are a critical factor. For students exploring the skilled trades, CNC machining offers both financial stability and long-term growth potential. With strong demand across Canada and competitive wages, CNC machinists are well-positioned in an industry that underpins everything from automotive manufacturing to aerospace and medical devices.
Here’s a breakdown of the current earning trends for CNC machinists in Canada, why wages are competitive, and what it means for students preparing to enter this rewarding field.
National Wage Outlook
According to Job Bank Canada, CNC machinists (NOC 72100: Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors) earn between $20.13 and $41.00 per hour, with a median wage of $29.00/hour. That translates to about $52,000 annually, placing CNC machining among the better-paying trades in Canada (Job Bank Canada).
In Ontario, where manufacturing is a major economic driver, wages range from $18.75 to $39.00 per hour, with a median of $28.00/hour (Job Bank Ontario). With large employers in the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, and Hamilton, machinists are in steady demand throughout the province.
Industry-Specific Earnings
CNC machinists often find employment in high-value industries, which contributes to their strong wages. For example:
- Aerospace manufacturers rely on CNC precision for turbine blades and structural parts.
- Automotive plants use machinists for tooling, mold-making, and prototype components.
- Medical device companies depend on CNC for surgical instruments and implants.
Because these sectors require extremely tight tolerances and specialized skills, machinists trained in advanced CNC programming and quality inspection often command higher-than-average pay.
Alternative Salary Data Sources
While government statistics provide official benchmarks, industry surveys add useful detail:
- Indeed Canada reports an average CNC machinist wage of $29.92/hour, based on over 1,000 salary submissions (Indeed Salaries).
- Talent.com estimates an average annual salary of $52,650, with top earners making up to $85,000/year (Talent.com).
These figures align with Job Bank data, confirming the strength and consistency of CNC earnings across Canada.
Career Growth Potential
Beyond entry-level wages, CNC machinists benefit from clear progression opportunities. Experienced machinists may advance into roles such as:
- CNC Programmer or Setup Specialist – higher wages due to technical expertise.
- Tool & Die Maker – specializing in molds and dies for manufacturing.
- Quality Control Inspector – ensuring precision and compliance.
- Production Supervisor – leading shop-floor teams.
This means that CNC machining is not just a job, but a career path with room to grow—both financially and professionally.
Why This Matters for Students
For students, these figures confirm that CNC machining is a reliable, well-paying career choice with strong demand across industries. Skilled machinists not only earn solid wages but also enjoy job security in one of Canada’s most vital sectors.
At the Institute of Machine Tool Technology (iMTT), our training programs are designed to help students reach the upper tiers of the pay scale. By combining hands-on training with industry-standard software (Mastercam, CAD/CAM, SolidWorks) and precision measurement tools, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and advanced technical skills.
For those seeking a stable, high-demand trade with competitive wages, CNC training at iMTT is the perfect first step.
References
- Government of Canada. Job Bank. (2024). Wages: Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors (NOC 72100) – Canada. Link
- Government of Canada. Job Bank. (2024). Wages: Machinists – Ontario. Link
- Indeed Canada. (2025). CNC Machinist Salaries in Canada. Link
- Talent.com. (2025). CNC Machinist Salary in Canada. Link
