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CNC Set Up Operator Salary in Tennessee

How much does a CNC Set Up Operator make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Set Up Operator in Tennessee is $59,973 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): $73,947
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,396 to $67,288
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,318
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CNC Set Up Operator Job Openings in Tennessee

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): $56,630
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $56,795
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $58,957
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,802
  • Expert (over 8 years): $62,005
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level CNC Set Up Operator less than 1 year $56,630
Early Career Level CNC Set Up Operator 1-2 years $56,795
Mid-Level Level CNC Set Up Operator 2-4 years $58,957
Senior-Level Level CNC Set Up Operator 5-8 years $61,802
Expert Level CNC Set Up Operator over 8 years $62,005

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: $71,057.
  • California: $70,787.
  • Massachusetts: $69,844.

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:

  • Cornersville: $58,946
  • Lexington: $57,813
  • Iron City: $55,797

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 $83,963 $40.0 40%
Aerospace & Defense $77,965 $37.0 30%
Energy & Utilities $68,969 $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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$54,396
Average $59,973/year
$67,288
$4,533
Average $4,998/month
$5,607
$1,046
Average $1,153/week
$1,294
$26
Average $29/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $67,288 $5,607 $1,294 $32
Average $59,973 $4,998 $1,153 $29
25th Percentile $54,396 $4,533 $1,046 $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.

  • HORST ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING CO | EAST HARTFORD, CT

    CNC Machinist

    HORST ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING CO | EAST HARTFORD, CT

    Sets-up and operates CNC Swiss Machines to produce highly precision component parts that meet all quality standards. Must be able to work independently and... more

    22 Days Ago

  • United Gear & Assembly | HUDSON, WI

    CNC Horizontal Lathe Set up Operator

    United Gear & Assembly | HUDSON, WI

    $1,000 sign on bonus. Hiring Immediately. United Gear & Assembly offers. Benefits program active 1st of the month following your start date. which includes... more

    22 Days Ago

  • U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC | HOLYOKE, MA

    Set Up Operator

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

    Description. The TSUBAKI name is synonymous with excellence in quality, dependability, and customer service. U.S. Tsubaki is a leading manufacturer and sup... more

    18 Days Ago

  • Custom Engineering Company | ERIE, PA

    CNC Programmer Set Up Technician Machinist

    Custom Engineering Company | ERIE, PA

    Description. Lamjen, Inc. is currently seeking 1st shift openings for a CNC Programmer/ Set Up Technician/ Machinist: Provide programming and machining exp... more

    19 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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