If you’re looking for CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland, Ohio, you’re actually in a pretty solid spot. This area keeps up a steady flow of manufacturing work, and there’s no shortage of positions for folks who know their way around CNC machines—mills, lathes, you name it. Pay usually lands somewhere between $20 and $34 an hour, depending on what you bring to the table.
You don’t always have to know programming right out of the gate, but honestly, it helps. Most employers want at least a high school diploma, but if you’ve got trade school or an associate degree, you’ll stand out. At IntegrityJobs.com, they’re all about matching you with a gig that fits your background—whether you’re brand new or you’ve been at it for years.
Cleveland’s manufacturing world offers flexible shifts, including 1st and 2nd shifts, so you can actually find something that fits your life. Some folks want permanent work, others like temp-to-hire—it’s all there, and IntegrityJobs.com is set up to help you find your lane.
Ready to land your next CNC machinist role in Cleveland? Explore open positions or reach out to a friendly account manager at Integrity Jobs — we’ll help you find the right fit and get you on the floor faster.
Overview of CNC Machinist Jobs in Cleveland Ohio
When you dig into CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland, you’ll see a mix of tasks, places to work, and employers ready for skilled people. These jobs are hands-on, with shifts to suit different lives. If you know what’s expected, where you might end up, and who’s hiring, you’ll be way more confident jumping in.
Key Responsibilities of CNC Machinists
As a CNC machinist, you set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut, mill, or shape metals and other stuff. Sometimes you’ll program machines, sometimes just tweak the code to get parts right.
Every day, you’ll inspect finished parts to make sure they’re up to spec, measure things carefully, and keep your machines running smoothly. Most jobs want at least a high school diploma and a year or so using CNC equipment.
You’ll use mills, lathes, or grinders—drilling, tapping, finishing parts. It’s all about detail, following blueprints or technical drawings so everything fits together just so.
Common Work Environments
Most CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland are in manufacturing plants, ranging from little workshops to big factories. Shifts are usually first or second, sometimes four 10-hour days if that’s your thing.
You’ll be on your feet a lot, working with machines in clean, safe spaces. Noise can get up there, so you’ll probably need ear protection.
A lot of companies offer health insurance and paid time off. Some jobs are permanent, others are temp-to-hire—good for getting your foot in the door and seeing if it’s your kind of place.
Major Employers in Cleveland
Cleveland’s got a bunch of companies needing CNC machinists—metal fab, auto parts, aerospace, and more. Many of them use staffing firms like IntegrityJobs.com to find people who fit.
Most jobs want you to know CNC mills and lathes, and if you can program or edit code, you’ve got an edge. You’ll see both permanent roles with benefits and temp-to-hire gigs that could turn into something long-term.
Keep an eye on job boards and staffing sites like IntegrityJobs.com—they’re focused on pairing local folks with solid jobs in Cleveland and nearby towns.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
To land a CNC machinist job in Cleveland, you’ll need a mix of education, tech skills, and a few personal traits. These things help you run machines safely, keep up with new tech, and work well with your crew.
Required Education and Certifications
Most CNC machinist roles in Cleveland want at least a high school diploma or GED. If you’ve got vocational or trade school, or even an associate degree, that’s a plus. Employers often look for CNC programming or machining certificates—proof you know your stuff.
You might need training for specific CNC systems, like mills or lathes. OSHA or other safety training comes up a lot too. IntegrityJobs.com can help you match your education to open roles and point you toward certifications if you need them.
Essential Technical Skills
You’ll need to set up and run CNC mills, lathes, or Swiss machines. Programming and editing code comes up, especially in advanced roles. Reading blueprints and drawings is a must for making accurate parts.
You’ll troubleshoot machine issues and do minor repairs to keep things running. Precision matters—measurements have to be spot-on. Math helps with daily calculations. Some jobs want experience with CNC maintenance or working with different materials.
Soft Skills for Success
It’s not just about machines. Problem-solving is big, since things don’t always go as planned. You need to communicate clearly—reporting issues, working with your team.
Being dependable and on time is non-negotiable in manufacturing. Staying organized helps you keep track of orders and settings. If you’re open to learning, you’ll keep up as CNC tech evolves.
A good attitude and teamwork go a long way. IntegrityJobs.com can help you build these skills and find a place where you feel like you belong.
Types of CNC Machinist Positions Available
CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland come in all shapes, depending on your experience. You’ll see roles for machine operation, programming, and setup, with different shifts, pay, and responsibilities.
Entry-Level CNC Machinist Roles
If you’re new, entry-level CNC machinist jobs are a good way in. Most just want a high school diploma or GED, and a lot offer on-the-job training. You’ll learn to run mills and lathes, follow instructions, and keep quality up.
You might set up machines, load materials, and check parts for accuracy. Second shift or night shift is common, which is great if you want off-hours.
These jobs help you get experience, and you can move into permanent roles down the line. Integrity Jobs connects you with companies looking for new talent.
Experienced CNC Operator Positions
If you’ve got a few years under your belt, look for experienced operator jobs. You’ll handle more complex setups, tweak machines, and maybe make programming changes.
You’ll keep equipment accurate and control quality. Knowing your way around both horizontal and vertical CNC machines helps, as does reading blueprints.
Many Cleveland companies offer permanent jobs with benefits and pay from $20 to $30 an hour. You’ll probably need to be flexible with shifts, but that can help you fit work around your life.
CNC Programmer Jobs
CNC programmer jobs are all about writing and editing the code machines follow. You’ll need to know programming languages like G-code, and you’ll spend your days writing, testing, and updating programs to make things run smoother.
Employers usually want some formal training—vocational certs or an associate degree. CAD/CAM experience is a bonus.
These roles pay more, since the skills are specialized. In Cleveland, programmers often work on teams handling a mix of projects. If you’re looking to level up, programming is a smart move after you’ve mastered machine operation and setup.
Salary Expectations and Compensation
Looking for a CNC machinist job in Cleveland? Pay depends on your experience. Most jobs come with health insurance and paid time off. Compared to other Ohio cities, Cleveland usually offers competitive wages that reflect the local market.
Average Pay Rates by Experience
Entry-level machinists in Cleveland usually make $20.00 to $26.00 an hour. After a year or so, that can bump up to about $26.00 to $30.00. Skilled machinists who can program and set up machines might see up to $34.00 an hour.
Your education and certifications play into pay, too. High school is the minimum, but tech school or more training can push you higher. First shift jobs often pay at the top of the range.
Benefits and Incentives
Most permanent CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland come with perks—health insurance, paid holidays, and retirement plans are pretty standard. Some places pay more for night or second shifts.
Overtime can boost your income, and some companies offer training or tuition help so you can build skills without paying out of pocket. IntegrityJobs.com lists lots of jobs with these extras, aiming to match you with companies that treat you right.
Comparison With Other Ohio Cities
Cleveland’s CNC machinist wages line up with, or even beat, nearby cities. Canton and Youngstown, for example, offer $20.00 to $30.00 per hour, so it’s in the same ballpark.
Cleveland tends to have more jobs with benefits and flexible shifts. Larger manufacturers here sometimes offer better career growth paths. If you’re open to moving, other cities pay well, but Cleveland stands out for its variety and pay.
Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Working as a CNC machinist in Cleveland gives you real chances to build your skills and move up. You can grow by getting experience, taking on more challenges, and even stepping into leadership.
Promotion Pathways
Start as an entry-level or junior machinist, then move into more skilled roles as you learn. With time, you might handle complex programming, setups, and editing. Some folks specialize in Swiss CNC, milling, or lathe work—that can make you even more valuable.
Extra training or certifications help you move up faster. Promotions usually mean better pay and more responsibility. Cleveland companies look for people with both skills and a good attitude.
Leadership and Supervisory Roles
Once you’ve nailed down your CNC skills, you might step into supervisor roles—overseeing machinists, managing schedules, making sure quality stays high. These jobs need strong communication and problem-solving.
Supervisors work with management to hit deadlines and keep things efficient. Some machinists move into maintenance tech roles, focusing on machine repair and upkeep. IntegrityJobs.com can help you find both hands-on and leadership roles that fit your goals.
Top Industries Hiring CNC Machinists in Cleveland
Cleveland’s got plenty of job opportunities for CNC machinists, especially in industries where precision is the name of the game. You’ll find steady work in sectors that rely on CNC tech to make parts with tight tolerances. These fields usually offer stable schedules and solid benefits.
Manufacturing Sector
Cleveland’s manufacturing sector really keeps CNC machinists busy. You’ll run mills, lathes, and grinders to create parts for all sorts of products. Most jobs have you setting up machines, programming, and handling quality inspection.
Experience and technical skills matter here, but honestly, a lot of places just want a high school diploma and some hands-on training. Health insurance, paid time off, and shift choices—day, night, or something in between—are pretty standard.
If you’re looking to move up, there’s space to grow. Entry-level to senior machinist roles pop up often, and IntegrityJobs.com lists positions for every stage of your career.
Aerospace and Automotive
In aerospace and automotive, you’ll help make super-precise parts for planes, cars, and trucks. These jobs get you working with unique materials and complex designs—it’s all about tight tolerances.
You’ll need to know your way around CNC mills and lathes, plus keep up with strict quality checks. Cleveland’s got a strong demand for skilled machinists, so pay and overtime can be solid. High demand means you might even have your pick of shifts.
Some shops want you to specialize—maybe it’s Swiss CNC, maybe 5-axis milling. Expect full-time gigs with decent benefits, and agencies like IntegrityJobs.com can help you find steady work.
How to Find CNC Machinist Jobs in Cleveland Ohio
Looking for a CNC machinist job in Cleveland? You’ll want to know where to dig. Online job boards, local staffing agencies, and professional groups can all give you a leg up.
Best Online Job Boards
Job boards are the obvious starting point. Focus on listings for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. IntegrityJobs.com posts a bunch of openings from local manufacturers—everything from entry-level machinist to seasoned CNC programmer.
Use filters for job type, pay, and shift so you’re not wading through stuff that doesn’t fit. Most postings spell out the skills and machines they want, which helps you apply smarter. Check often—jobs move fast and it pays to follow up with recruiters.
Cleveland-Based Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies in town can speed things up. Integrity Jobs, for example, focuses on skilled trades and manufacturing. They’ll not only hook you up with employers, but also help with your resume and interview prep. If you’re just starting out, temp work can get your foot in the door.
A recruiter actually gets to know you and what you’re good at. They’re plugged into local companies and sometimes have jobs you won’t see anywhere else. If you want a bit of guidance, agencies are worth a shot.
Networking and Professional Groups
Talking to other machinists and folks in the industry can open doors you’d never find online. Try local trade groups, LinkedIn groups, or even CNC meetups. These circles share job leads, training events, and the inside scoop on employers.
Networking isn’t just about jobs—it’s about learning how shops really run and what they expect. Sometimes a quick chat with a supervisor or instructor leads to your next gig.
Don’t skip this step. It’s not just who you know, but who knows you’re looking.
Tips for Landing a CNC Machinist Job
If you want a CNC machinist job, you’ve gotta show what you can do and prep for interviews. Put together a solid resume that highlights your experience and training. When you get to the interview, be ready to explain how you work with machines safely and accurately.
Crafting an Effective Resume
Start by clearly listing your education—high school diploma, GED, or technical training. Add any trade school or CNC certifications.
Focus on your hands-on experience. Mention the machines you’ve used—mills, lathes, grinders. Say how long you did each job, and if you programmed or set up equipment, put that in too.
Bullet points help. For example:
- Set up and ran CNC mills and lathes.
- Programmed machines to meet production specs.
- Checked finished parts for quality.
Keep it simple and easy to scan. Hiring managers don’t read novels.
Acing the Interview
Be ready to talk through your daily work and how you solve problems. Explain how you read blueprints and use measuring tools.
Show you know safety rules and quality standards. Employers want to see you can work carefully and avoid mistakes.
Give examples—maybe how you work with a team or handle a tight deadline. That helps show you’ll fit in.
Practice questions like, “What CNC machines have you used?” or “How do you fix machine errors?” Sound clear, but don’t worry about being perfect.
If you want backup, IntegrityJobs.com can help you prep and connect with solid companies around Cleveland.
Continuing Education and Training Resources
Want to stay competitive as a CNC machinist in Cleveland? Keep learning. More education and certifications can mean better jobs and higher pay.
Local Trade Schools and Colleges
You can pick up or sharpen CNC skills at local schools. Plenty offer hands-on training with mills, lathes, and programming. Technical schools and community colleges in Cleveland and nearby spots like Akron are good bets.
Most programs teach CNC machine setup, operation, and maintenance. You’ll get real machine time, which employers love. Some schools offer night classes so you can work and learn.
Training might run a few months to two years, depending on the level. Look for certificates or associate degrees—these usually cover safety and blueprint reading too.
Industry Certifications Available
Certifications show you know your stuff. For CNC machinists, the best-known ones cover programming, running machines, and inspection.
Check out NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills). Their certifications cover mills, lathes, and more. Some require you to pass tests on setup and part quality.
Certs help your resume whether you’re starting out or aiming higher. IntegrityJobs.com lists jobs where certification gives you an edge. Sometimes, it’s the difference between temp and full-time.
Work-Life Balance for Cleveland CNC Machinists
CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland usually offer shifts that can work for you. Some shops do 4-day, 10-hour weeks; others stick to 1st and 2nd shifts. That extra day off? Pretty nice for errands or just catching up on sleep.
Some places keep you on a steady shift, so you get a routine. Predictable schedules make it easier to balance work and family.
Permanent jobs often come with paid time off and health insurance, so you’re not stressing about sick days or doctor visits.
IntegrityJobs.com lists roles with hours and perks that actually fit your life. They’ll help you find something that works for you—not just the company.
Here’s a quick breakdown of shift options:
| Shift Type | Hours | Days Off |
| 1st Shift | 7 AM – 3 PM | Weekends or regular days |
| 2nd Shift | 3 PM – 1:30 AM | Some roles have 3-day weekends |
| 4-10 Hour Days | 6-10 AM to 4-6 PM | 3 days off per week |
Temp-to-hire gigs let you try a job before going all-in. It’s a low-pressure way to see if a shop’s schedule or vibe is right for you.
Finding the right balance is personal. Know your options and pick what fits. IntegrityJobs.com is there to help you sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland, Ohio, offer a mix of pay rates and schedules. There’s something for beginners and veterans, with a lot of roles giving steady hours and benefits.
What are the typical salary ranges for CNC machinists in Cleveland, Ohio?
Most CNC machinist jobs in Cleveland pay $20–$34 per hour. Entry-level gigs usually start at $16–$21, while experienced folks can earn $30+.
Are there entry-level CNC machinist positions available in Cleveland, Ohio?
Definitely. Entry-level positions like Jr. CNC Milling Machinist often just want a diploma or some vocational training. These roles help you build experience.
Is part-time work available for CNC machinists in Cleveland, Ohio?
Part-time CNC jobs aren’t super common. Most shops want full-timers, often on 4-day weeks or second shift. Still, temp or contract work can offer a bit more flexibility.
How much can a CNC operator expect to earn in Ohio?
CNC operators in Ohio usually make $20–$34 per hour, depending on experience and shift. Second-shift and Swiss CNC jobs sometimes pay at the higher end.
What is the job market like for CNC machinists in Cleveland, Ohio?
The market’s steady. Manufacturers keep hiring for first and second shifts, with jobs on mills, lathes, grinders, and programming. Integrity Jobs can help you find something that matches your skills.
Is it possible for a machinist to earn over $100,000 annually?
Yeah, it’s possible—but let’s be real, it’s not the norm for most machinists. Usually, you’d need to land a senior role, rack up a lot of overtime, or move into something like a maintenance technician job. Sometimes, picking up extra shifts or learning niche skills can really bump up your yearly pay. It’s not an easy path, but for folks who go after those opportunities, six figures isn’t out of reach.
