What are the main factors that influence a CNC Set Up Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for CNC Set Up Operator?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Set Up Operator roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

How does experience change A CNC Set Up Operator's salary?

A CNC Set Up Operator's salary grows with experience: starting around $56,115 for beginners, reaching about $58,421 at mid-level, and approach $61,453 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a CNC Set Up Operator?

CNC Set Up Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for CNC Set Up Operator roles are District of Columbia $71,046, California $70,776, Massachusetts $69,833. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of CNC Set Up Operator roles make?

Salaries for CNC Set Up Operator level roles vary by specialization: CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV: $109,490; CNC Programmer/Set-Up III: $85,290; CNC Set Up Machinist: $73,349; CNC Programmer/Set-Up II: $72,390; Equipment Set Up and Monitoring Operator, Experienced: $70,500.

CNC Set Up Operator Salary in New Mexico

How much does a CNC Set Up Operator make in New Mexico? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Set Up Operator in New Mexico is $59,432 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a CNC Set Up Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $73,334
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,905 to $66,709
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,874

10% $48,874

50% (Median) $59,432

90% $73,334

CNC Set Up Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$66,709	$5,559	$1,283	$32
Average	$59,432	$4,953	$1,143	$29
25th Percentile	$53,905	$4,492	$1,037	$26

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Set Up Operator

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC – HALYOKE, MA

Set Up Operator

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC – HOLYOKE, MA

Set

Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool – RICHMOND, MI

CNC Programmer Set

Magnum Machining – RICHMOND, IL

Key Factors That Influence CNC Set Up Operator Salaries

A CNC Set Up Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CNC Set Up Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Set Up Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $56,115
Early Career (1-2 years): $56,279
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $58,421
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,251
Expert (over 8 years): $61,453

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Entry Level CNC Set Up Operator	less than 1 year	$56,115
Early Career Level CNC Set Up Operator	1-2 years	$56,279
Mid-Level Level CNC Set Up Operator	2-4 years	$58,421
Senior-Level Level CNC Set Up Operator	5-8 years	$61,251
Expert Level CNC Set Up Operator	over 8 years	$61,453

How Do CNC Set Up Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CNC Set Up Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $71,046.
California: $70,776.
Massachusetts: $69,833.

District of Columbia $71,046 California $70,776 Massachusetts $69,833 Washington $69,576 New Jersey $69,551 Alaska $69,461 Connecticut $68,575 New York $68,216

Hawaii $67,068 Rhode Island $66,529 Maryland $66,163 Minnesota $65,662 Colorado $65,470 Illinois $65,406 Oregon $65,162 Delaware $64,982

New Hampshire $64,869 Virginia $64,616 Pennsylvania $63,878 Nevada $63,506 North Dakota $63,384 Michigan $63,192 Wisconsin $63,121 Vermont $62,980

Texas $62,589 Maine $62,563 Arizona $62,525 Ohio $62,480 Georgia $61,889 Indiana $61,594 Wyoming $61,536 Utah $61,447

Iowa $61,408 Kansas $61,100 Louisiana $61,010 North Carolina $60,978 Missouri $60,965 Florida $60,715 Montana $60,580 Nebraska $60,452

Kentucky $60,381 South Carolina $60,125 Tennessee $59,964 Idaho $59,900 New Mexico $59,432 Oklahoma $59,329 Alabama $58,950 South Dakota $58,315

Arkansas $57,969 West Virginia $57,783 Mississippi $57,224

Top Paying Cities for CNC Set Up Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Algodones: $60,064
Belen: $59,730
Bernalillo: $60,171

Algodones, NM $60,064

Belen, NM $59,730

Bernalillo, NM $60,171

Bluewater, NM $58,907

Bosque, NM $59,291

Casa Blanca, NM $59,425

Cedar Crest, NM $60,221

Cedarvale, NM $57,860

Cerrillos, NM $60,108

Claunch, NM $57,645

Coyote, NM $59,222

Cuba, NM $59,128

Cubero, NM $59,557

Edgewood, NM $59,952

Estancia, NM $59,237

Gallina, NM $58,913

Counselor, NM $58,949

Grants, NM $58,840

Milan, NM $59,076

Isleta, NM $60,274

Jarales, NM $59,672

Jemez Pueblo, NM $59,776

Jemez Springs, NM $59,591

Laguna, NM $59,848

La Jara, NM $59,061

La Joya, NM $58,925

Lindrith, NM $58,854

Los Lunas, NM $60,046

Mcintosh, NM $59,563

Pueblo Of Acoma, NM $59,167

Moriarty, NM $59,363

Mountainair, NM $58,723

Nageezi, NM $58,871

New Laguna, NM $59,528

Paguate, NM $59,568

Pena Blanca, NM $60,234

Peralta, NM $60,141

Placitas, NM $60,172

Ponderosa, NM $59,700

Prewitt, NM $58,889

Regina, NM $58,931

Sandia Park, NM $60,069

Corrales, NM $60,296

San Fidel, NM $59,207

San Rafael, NM $58,955

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM $60,070

San Ysidro, NM $59,989

Stanley, NM $59,355

Tijeras, NM $60,077

Tome, NM $59,966

Torreon, NM $59,767

Veguita, NM $59,287

Willard, NM $58,617

Youngsville, NM $59,239

Bosque Farms, NM $60,252

Clines Corners, NM $58,996

Cochiti Pueblo, NM $60,116

Cochiti Lake, NM $60,194

Albuquerque, NM $60,330

Kirtland Afb, NM $60,330

Rio Rancho, NM $60,231

Gallup, NM $58,975

Brimhall, NM $58,808

Church Rock, NM $58,836

Continental Divide, NM $58,794

Crownpoint, NM $58,843

Fence Lake, NM $58,580

Fort Wingate, NM $58,815

Gamerco, NM $58,914

Mentmore, NM $58,823

Mexican Springs, NM $58,816

Ramah, NM $58,708

Rehoboth, NM $58,855

Thoreau, NM $58,858

Tohatchi, NM $58,804

Vanderwagen, NM $58,816

Zuni, NM $58,802

Navajo, NM $58,882

Jamestown, NM $58,735

Pinehill, NM $58,662

Sheep Springs, NM $58,868

Smith Lake, NM $59,087

Yatahey, NM $58,846

Farmington, NM $59,129

Aztec, NM $59,239

Blanco, NM $58,962

Bloomfield, NM $58,892

Flora Vista, NM $59,190

Fruitland, NM $58,820

Kirtland, NM $59,191

La Plata, NM $59,212

Navajo Dam, NM $59,186

Shiprock, NM $59,104

Waterflow, NM $59,074

Newcomb, NM $58,832

Sanostee, NM $58,869

Santa Fe, NM $60,638

Abiquiu, NM $58,979

Alcalde, NM $60,007

Amalia, NM $58,889

Arroyo Hondo, NM $58,807

Arroyo Seco, NM $58,875

Canjilon, NM $58,797

Canones, NM $59,333

Carson, NM $59,032

Cebolla, NM $58,832

Cerro, NM $58,849

Chama, NM $59,090

Chamisal, NM $59,847

Chimayo, NM $60,268

Cordova, NM $60,166

Costilla, NM $59,136

Taos Ski Valley, NM $58,688

Dixon, NM $59,790

Dulce, NM $59,088

El Prado, NM $58,927

El Rito, NM $59,197

Embudo, NM $59,483

Espanola, NM $60,195

Glorieta, NM $60,404

Hernandez, NM $59,635

Ilfeld, NM $59,847

La Madera, NM $59,093

Lamy, NM $60,174

Llano, NM $59,726

Los Alamos, NM $60,317

White Rock, NM $60,430

Medanales, NM $59,701

Ojo Caliente, NM $59,350

Los Ojos, NM $58,945

Pecos, NM $60,216

Penasco, NM $59,504

Petaca, NM $58,743

Questa, NM $58,911

Ranchos De Taos, NM $59,222

Red River, NM $58,743

Ribera, NM $59,121

Rowe, NM $59,903

San Cristobal, NM $58,741

San Jose, NM $59,756

Ohkay Owingeh, NM $60,048

Santa Cruz, NM $60,247

Serafina, NM $58,972

Taos, NM $58,893

Tererro, NM $60,409

Tesuque, NM $60,638

Tierra Amarilla, NM $58,893

Trampas, NM $59,455

Tres Piedras, NM $58,726

Truchas, NM $59,998

Vadito, NM $59,426

Valdez, NM $58,785

Vallecitos, NM $58,739

Velarde, NM $59,700

Villanueva, NM $59,007

Spaceport City, NM $57,804

Las Vegas, NM $58,506

Angel Fire, NM $58,679

Anton Chico, NM $58,405

Buena Vista, NM $58,941

Chacon, NM $58,983

Cimarron, NM $58,587

Cleveland, NM $59,402

Eagle Nest, NM $58,631

Guadalupita, NM $58,893

Holman, NM $59,250

La Loma, NM $58,307

Maxwell, NM $58,607

Miami, NM $58,481

Mills, NM $58,273

Montezuma, NM $59,703

Mora, NM $59,485

Mosquero, NM $58,222

Ocate, NM $58,544

Ojo Feliz, NM $58,698

Rainsville, NM $58,956

Raton, NM $58,755

Rociada, NM $59,733

Roy, NM $58,286

Sapello, NM $59,215

Solano, NM $58,214

Springer, NM $58,455

Ute Park, NM $58,615

Valmora, NM $58,457

Wagon Mound, NM $58,390

Watrous, NM $58,477

Socorro, NM $58,341

Aragon, NM $58,518

Datil, NM $58,277

Lemitar, NM $58,613

Luna, NM $58,622

Magdalena, NM $58,281

Pie Town, NM $58,476

Polvadera, NM $58,754

Quemado, NM $58,597

Reserve, NM $58,492

San Acacia, NM $58,851

San Antonio, NM $58,019

Truth Or Consequences, NM $58,007

Arrey, NM $57,997

Caballo, NM $58,037

Derry, NM $57,741

Elephant Butte, NM $58,157

Garfield, NM $57,574

Hatch, NM $56,651

Monticello, NM $58,003

Rincon, NM $56,325

Salem, NM $57,394

Williamsburg, NM $58,080

Winston, NM $58,046

Las Cruces, NM $55,588

White Sands Missile Range, NM $55,770

Santa Teresa, NM $56,176

Playas, NM $58,275

Animas, NM $58,418

Anthony, NM $56,162

Arenas Valley, NM $58,315

Bayard, NM $58,261

Berino, NM $55,908

Buckhorn, NM $58,321

Santa Clara, NM $58,363

Chamberino, NM $55,966

Cliff, NM $58,254

Columbus, NM $58,097

Deming, NM $58,110

Dona Ana, NM $55,590

Fairacres, NM $55,756

Faywood, NM $58,084

Fort Bayard, NM $58,307

Gila, NM $58,168

Glenwood, NM $58,213

Hachita, NM $58,097

Hanover, NM $58,109

Hillsboro, NM $57,990

Hurley, NM $58,221

La Mesa, NM $56,651

Lordsburg, NM $58,232

Mesilla, NM $55,589

Mesilla Park, NM $55,595

Mesquite, NM $55,643

Mimbres, NM $58,155

Mule Creek, NM $58,313

Organ, NM $55,624

Pinos Altos, NM $58,252

Radium Springs, NM $55,612

Redrock, NM $58,104

Rodeo, NM $58,492

San Miguel, NM $55,621

Silver City, NM $58,253

Sunland Park, NM $55,877

Tyrone, NM $58,426

Vado, NM $55,665

Chaparral, NM $56,367

Clovis, NM $58,141

Cannon Afb, NM $58,013

Broadview, NM $57,972

Causey, NM $57,872

Crossroads, NM $57,735

Dora, NM $58,010

Elida, NM $57,769

Floyd, NM $57,910

Fort Sumner, NM $57,863

Grady, NM $58,027

House, NM $57,981

Kenna, NM $57,770

Lingo, NM $57,869

Melrose, NM $57,990

Milnesand, NM $57,747

Pep, NM $57,826

Portales, NM $58,037

Rogers, NM $57,842

Saint Vrain, NM $58,028

Taiban, NM $57,843

Texico, NM $58,050

Yeso, NM $57,633

Roswell, NM $57,700

Artesia, NM $57,814

Caprock, NM $57,697

Carlsbad, NM $57,852

Dexter, NM $57,741

Eunice, NM $57,903

Hagerman, NM $57,770

Hobbs, NM $57,988

Hope, NM $57,558

Jal, NM $57,835

Lake Arthur, NM $57,674

Lakewood, NM $57,760

Loco Hills, NM $57,867

Loving, NM $57,837

Lovington, NM $57,932

Mcdonald, NM $57,774

Malaga, NM $57,781

Maljamar, NM $57,724

Monument, NM $57,860

Tatum, NM $57,811

Whites City, NM $57,908

Carrizozo, NM $57,426

Alamogordo, NM $57,244

Alto, NM $57,435

Bent, NM $57,254

Capitan, NM $57,301

Cloudcroft, NM $57,248

Corona, NM $57,676

Encino, NM $58,139

Fort Stanton, NM $57,326

Glencoe, NM $57,285

High Rolls Mountain Park, NM $57,237

Holloman Air Force Base, NM $57,237

Hondo, NM $57,337

La Luz, NM $57,237

Lincoln, NM $57,170

Mayhill, NM $57,367

Mescalero, NM $57,263

Nogal, NM $57,509

Orogrande, NM $57,266

Picacho, NM $57,325

Pinon, NM $57,541

Ruidoso, NM $57,544

Ruidoso Downs, NM $57,466

Sacramento, NM $57,288

San Patricio, NM $57,356

Sunspot, NM $57,237

Timberon, NM $57,361

Tinnie, NM $57,292

Tularosa, NM $57,275

Vaughn, NM $57,905

Weed, NM $57,360

Tucumcari, NM $58,193

Amistad, NM $58,118

Bard, NM $58,024

Capulin, NM $58,682

Clayton, NM $58,230

Conchas Dam, NM $58,283

Cuervo, NM $58,003

Des Moines, NM $58,450

Folsom, NM $58,540

Garita, NM $58,171

Gladstone, NM $58,288

Grenville, NM $58,277

Logan, NM $58,191

Mcalister, NM $58,010

Nara Visa, NM $58,053

Newkirk, NM $58,117

Quay, NM $58,150

San Jon, NM $58,088

Santa Rosa, NM $58,150

Sedan, NM $58,171

Trementina, NM $58,168

CNC Set Up Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC Set Up Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, CNC Set Up Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Set Up Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Set Up Operator

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology	$83,204	$40.0	40%
Aerospace & Defense	$77,261	$37.0	30%
Energy & Utilities	$68,346	$33.0	15%

CNC Set Up Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Set Up Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

$53,905

Average $59,432/year

$66,709

$4,492

Average $4,953/month

$5,559

$1,037

Average $1,143/week

$1,283

$26

Average $29/hour

$32

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$66,709	$5,559	$1,283	$32
Average	$59,432	$4,953	$1,143	$29
25th Percentile	$53,905	$4,492	$1,037	$26

Find Your Next CNC Set Up Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Set Up Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

Campbell Engineering Inc | LAKE FOREST, CA

CNC LATHE SET

Campbell Engineering Inc | LAKE FOREST, CA

At a Glance Company: Campbell Engineering Inc. Location: Lake Forest, CA (Orange County) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $31–$35/hour (based on experience) ... more

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Olson Custom Designs | INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Swiss CNC Machine Set Up Technician

Olson Custom Designs | INDIANAPOLIS, IN

At a Glance Company: Olson Custom Designs Location: 4825 W 79th St, Indianapolis (New Augusta), IN 46268 Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $25.00 – $35.00 per... more

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Ricaurte Precision, Inc. | SANTA ANA, CA

Set Up Machinist

Ricaurte Precision, Inc. | SANTA ANA, CA

At a Glance Company: Ricaurte Precision, Inc. Location: Santa Ana, California Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $27–$35/hr (based on experience) Shift: Day, E... more

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Able Medical Devices | MARQUETTE, MI

CNC Operator

Able Medical Devices | MARQUETTE, MI

At a glance Company: Able Medical Devices Location: Marquette, MI 49855 Job Type: Full-Time Machines: CNC Machining Centers, Swiss Turning Centers, Wire ED... more

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Safespill | HOUSTON, TX

CNC Operator

Safespill | HOUSTON, TX

At a Glance Location: Houston, TX (on-site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $21 – $25 per hour (based on experience) Shift: Day Shift (flexible hours, suppo... more

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HG Medical USA LLC | HOLLAND, MI

CNC Milling Operator

HG Medical USA LLC | HOLLAND, MI

At a Glance Company: HG Medical USA LLC Location: Holland, MI Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: Competitive (based on experience) Shifts Available: A Shift: M... more

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CNC Set Up Operator Salary in New Mexico

Check out CNC Set Up Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

Key Factors That Influence CNC Set Up Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects CNC Set Up Operator Salaries?

How Do CNC Set Up Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for CNC Set Up Operator

CNC Set Up Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a CNC Set Up Operator

CNC Set Up Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Find Your Next CNC Set Up Operator Job

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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CNC Set Up Operator Salary in New Mexico

Check out CNC Set Up Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

Key Factors That Influence CNC Set Up Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects CNC Set Up Operator Salaries?

How Do CNC Set Up Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for CNC Set Up Operator

CNC Set Up Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a CNC Set Up Operator

CNC Set Up Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Salaries of jobs related to CNC Set Up Operator

Find Your Next CNC Set Up Operator Job

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