... operating system, and CAD/CAM software * Functional knowledge of CNC, EDM, manual milling, and ... Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees as needed * Document and monitor departmental KPI ...
... operating system, and CAD/CAM software * Functional knowledge of CNC, EDM, manual milling, and ... Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees as needed * Document and monitor departmental KPI ...
Trainee Cnc Router Operator information
See Hillside, IL salary details
$13.47 - $15.11
4% of jobs
$15.11 - $16.74
9% of jobs
$18.12 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.74 - $18.37
14% of jobs
$18.37 - $20.01
13% of jobs
The median wage is $21.49 / hr.
$20.01 - $21.64
11% of jobs
$21.64 - $23.27
10% of jobs
$24.91 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$23.27 - $24.91
14% of jobs
$24.91 - $26.54
9% of jobs
$26.54 - $28.17
7% of jobs
$28.17 - $29.81
5% of jobs
$29.81 - $31.44
3% of jobs
$13
$22
$31
How much do trainee cnc router operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee cnc router operator in Hillside, IL is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Trainee Cnc Router Operator vs Cnc Router Programmer?
| Aspect | Trainee Cnc Router Operator | Cnc Router Programmer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Basic technical skills, on-the-job training | Advanced knowledge of CNC programming, certifications often preferred |
| Work Environment | Manufacturing floors, operating CNC machines under supervision | Design and write CNC programs, often in office or design areas |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Entry-level role in manufacturing, woodworking, metalworking | Specialized role in manufacturing, requiring programming expertise |
The Trainee Cnc Router Operator typically learns to operate CNC routers through on-the-job training, focusing on machine operation and safety. In contrast, the Cnc Router Programmer designs and develops the CNC programs, requiring more technical skills and knowledge. While the trainee role is entry-level, the programmer role is more specialized, often requiring prior experience or certifications.
What can I expect during my first few months as a Trainee CNC Router Operator?
As a Trainee CNC Router Operator, your initial months will typically focus on hands-on training with experienced operators, learning machine setup, basic programming, and safety protocols. You’ll gradually take on more responsibility, such as monitoring machine operations and performing routine maintenance. The work environment is usually a team-oriented production floor, where collaboration with supervisors, engineers, and quality control staff is common. Expect to spend time troubleshooting minor issues and learning to read technical drawings. This period is crucial for building a strong foundation in CNC operations and understanding the workflow of your team.
What does a Trainee CNC Router Operator do?
A Trainee CNC Router Operator assists in operating computer-controlled cutting machines known as CNC routers, which are used to cut and shape materials like wood, plastic, or metal. In this entry-level role, trainees learn how to set up the machine, load materials, read technical drawings, and monitor the cutting process under supervision. They also help with basic machine maintenance and ensure that finished products meet quality standards. Over time, trainees gain the skills needed to operate CNC routers independently and efficiently.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee CNC Router Operator, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Trainee CNC Router Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machine controls, and safety protocols is usually required, though formal certification may be gained on the job. Strong problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help trainees stand out in this hands-on role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring precision, maintaining safety, and supporting efficient manufacturing processes.
What cities near Hillside, IL are hiring for Trainee Cnc Router Operator jobs? Cities near Hillside, IL with the most Trainee Cnc Router Operator job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 14 days ago
Job description
Are you an experienced moldmaker who is ready to lead a great team? Do you want to continue as a moldmaker while also leading your peers?
Demgy Chicago is a premiere Injection Molding Company looking for a skilled Moldmaker to lead our Tool Room.
We pride ourselves on being an employee-centric company where your work counts and your expertise matters.
Interested? Apply here: Job Listings - Demgy Chicago Jobs
Position Summary: The Toolroom Supervisor is a hands-on moldmaker who directs and manages day-to-day toolroom operations and toolroom personnel, leading the tooling department in maintaining, repairing and producing molds and fixtures in support of production and engineering as needed to meet established customer satisfaction and company objectives
About DEMGY Chicago, LLC
Formerly known as Met2Plastic, LLC, we are a premier custom injection molder and mold builder operating in the Chicago area since 1970
Best Places to Work Top Ten finalist in 2026 and 2025 -- Plastics News
We are a U.S. division of DEMGY Group (formerly Dedienne Multiplasturgy in Normandy France)
We serve the Medical, Aerospace, and Industrial Equipment industries
Our facility has a team of 52 people across 3 shifts and several departments, and we are growing
Our work environment is collaborative and friendly
We are committed to training and developing our employees -- we have a track record of promoting from within
We value everyone who works here and we understand the need for work/life balance
Our employees' well-being is important to us, so we offer more than just a paycheck.
Secure your Future: 401(k) with weekly company match
Secure your Peace of Mind: Personal/Sick leave benefits accrue weekly, and do not expire at year end
accrue 1 week personal/sick leave annually
Secure your Health: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Platinum, Gold and Silver Options
Enjoy your Free Time: 10 paid holidays annually, plus paid Vacation benefits that accrue weekly, and do not expire at year end
accrue 2 weeks' vacation per year for the first 5 years; 3 weeks' vacation per year after that
Job Skill Requirements
- Proven ability as a Journeyman moldmaker with heavy experience in injection molds
- Ability to lead others and delegate effectively
- Ability to supervise and work well with others inter-departmentally and intra-departmentally
- Ability to manage and coordinate multiple tasks
- Ability to interpret part and mold drawings and specifications
- Ability to build injection molds to correct dimensions, using specifications provided (3d CAD data, component drawings, etc)
- Ability to use measuring instruments (micrometer, caliper, gage blocks, etc)
- Functional knowledge of computers, Windows operating system, and CAD/CAM software
- Functional knowledge of CNC, EDM, manual milling, and grinding equipment
Minimum Education and Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- Journeyman Moldmaker Certificate
- Supervisor or Manager certificate or equivalent experience
Job Responsibilities
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct and manage day-to-day tool room operations and toolroom personnel
- Work with production and engineering to determine toolroom support requirements; prioritize and assign tasks as needed
- Interface with vendors to ensure the timeliness and quality of external tooling work
- Ensure that departmental personnel have the necessary information to complete their assigned tasks
- Determine future resource needs for personnel and equipment and make recommendations to site management
- Assist site management with the development of an apprenticeship program
- Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees as needed
- Document and monitor departmental KPI (Key Performance Indicators) to drive improvement
- Manage departmental supplies and critical spares to minimize production disruption and stay within budget
- Ensure that housekeeping within the department is properly maintained
Tooling Responsibilities
- Complete and document mold repairs, analyzing the cause for failure and implementing mold improvements to maximize uptime
- Complete and document mold preventive maintenance and make recommendations to improve mold longevity and/or to replace tooling as needed
- Build assembly and machining fixtures
- Build tooling to specification within the timeframe scheduled
- Lead and Assist in mold build projects as needed, ensuring on time completion to specification and communicating project time lines and responsibilities to all team members
- Ensure that the project team members have the information to do their part of the job
- Inform the Project Manager if the work cannot be completed as to specification or within the timeframe as soon as the situation is known. Offer alternatives to complete the build as planned for specifications and on time delivery.
Employee Responsibilities
- Uphold and comply with Demgy's Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Follow safety policies
- Contribute to the success of the company's environmental, health & safety program
- Maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers in all departments