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Computer Numerical Control Operator Jobs in Illinois

CNC Programmers

Campus, IL · On-site

$60K - $110K/yr

Responsibilities CNC Programmer, V Develop, support, and maintain computer numerical control (CNC) programs for machine shop equipment. Read and understand blueprints, manuals, and other technical ...

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CNC Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

CNC Lathe Set-up Person and Operator Essential Functions: · Understand and execute company prints ... up and operate computer numerical control machines · Select appropriate set-up tooling and ...

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CNC Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

CNC Lathe Set-up Person and Operator Essential Functions: · Understand and execute company prints ... up and operate computer numerical control machines · Select appropriate set-up tooling and ...

CNC Programmers

Campus, IL · On-site

$60K - $110K/yr

Responsibilities CNC Programmer, V Develop, support, and maintain computer numerical control (CNC) programs for machine shop equipment. Read and understand blueprints, manuals, and other technical ...

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CNC Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

CNC Lathe Set-up Person and Operator Essential Functions: · Understand and execute company prints ... up and operate computer numerical control machines · Select appropriate set-up tooling and ...

The CNC Machine Operator is responsible for operating the computer numerical control (CNC) machine to cut, shape, and drill wood components according to production specifications. This position ...

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CNC Machinist

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

December 8, 2025 Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour Produces machined parts by programming, setting up, and operating a computer numerical control (CNC Machine; maintaining quality and safety standards ...

CNC Machinist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18.03 - $32.13/hr

Their duties include setting up equipment, operating equipment, and inspecting finished parts. Familiarity with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Software and machinery used Knowledge of how to ...

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Computer Numerical Control Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do computer numerical control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer numerical control operator in Illinois is $23.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computer Numerical Control Operator vs Machinist?

AspectComputer Numerical Control OperatorMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CNC certificationHigh school diploma, technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, machine shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusSet up, operate, monitor CNC machinesDesign, measure, and manually operate machines
Industry UsageCommon in automated manufacturingTraditional machining and manual operations

While both roles work within manufacturing environments, a Computer Numerical Control Operator primarily programs and monitors CNC machines, focusing on automation. A Machinist often manually operates and maintains machines, with a broader focus on precision machining. Both roles require technical skills, but CNC Operators typically need specific certification in CNC programming and operation.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Computer Numerical Control Operator jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Computer Numerical Control Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Numerical Control Operator job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,133 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
CNC Programmers

$60K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

331st of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 02/04/2026 Requisition Number PRN44201B Job Title CNC Programmers Working Title CNC Programmer Career Progression Track P00 Track Level P7 - Senior Principal, P6 - Principal, P5 - Expert FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
8am - 5pm, M-F
VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $60,000-$110,000 Close Date 05/31/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
Join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of orthopaedic patient care through medical device innovation. As a CNC Programmer, you'll collaborate with visionary clinicians, researchers, engineers, and manufacturing colleagues to build, test, and develop the next generation of surgical instruments and implantable devices. Work in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced technical resources and supported by a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and impact.
This is a rare opportunity to pursue your professional passion in a role that can truly make a difference to orthopaedic patients worldwide. Come join us in making a difference!


Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
CNC Programmer, V
Develop, support, and maintain computer numerical control (CNC) programs for machine shop equipment. Read and understand blueprints, manuals, and other technical documentation in order to perform programming tasks. Design and implement all tooling associated with the manufacturing of CNC machines. Recognized as subject matter expert and advanced individual contributor professional. Requires specialized skill set. Conducts highly complex work, unsupervised and with extensive latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
This is an Expert-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P23155
Grade: P16


CNC Programmer, VI
Develop, support, and maintain computer numerical control (CNC) programs for machine shop equipment. Read and understand blueprints, manuals, and other technical documentation in order to perform programming tasks. Design and implement all tooling associated with the manufacturing of CNC machines. Recognized as expert in field. Requires highly specialized skill set. Influences best practices within discipline. Conducts the most complex and vital work, unsupervised and with complete latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.
This is a Principal-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P23156
Grade: P17


CNC Programmer, VII
Develop, support, and maintain computer numerical control (CNC) programs for machine shop equipment. Read and understand blueprints, manuals, and other technical documentation in order to perform programming tasks. Design and implement all tooling associated with the manufacturing of CNC machines. Recognized as expert in field. Requires highly specialized skill set. Influences best practices within discipline. Conducts the most complex and vital work, unsupervised and with complete latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 14 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 12 years of directly related work experience.
This is a Senior Principal-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P23157
Grade: P18


Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

CNC Programmer, V: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.

CNC Programmer, VI: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.

CNC Programmer, VII: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 14 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 12 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
4 to 7 years' experience working in a highly dynamic, innovative, tight tolerance, complex part prototyping and/or production environment, with responsibilities in either CNC Swiss-style lathe or CNC mill-turn programming, set-up, operation, cutting tool selection, material ordering and shop and equipment maintenance.
Experience with other complex CNC equipment, such as 5-axis CNC mills, CNC Y-axis single or dual spindle lathes,, and 4 axis CNC wire EDM's, is preferred, but not required.
Excellent computer & programming skills using CAM software, CAD software and Microsoft Office.
Experience with Esprit (CAM) and Solidworks (CAD) is highly desirable.
Experience machining advanced metal alloys (stainless steels, titanium, cobalt, nitinol, etc.) and high-performance thermoplastics (PEEK, RADEL, ULTEM, UHMWPE, etc.) is highly desirable.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to perform at a high level in a team environment.
Ability to read and effectively interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Ability to effectively complete inspections to demonstrate that parts meet drawing and specifications requirements
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850