CNC Machinist Jobs in Arlington, TX
CNC machinists are among the highest-paid skilled hourly workers in Arlington manufacturing, and demand stays strong because the DFW automotive and aerospace supply chains, from GM Arlington's tooling shops to Fort Worth aerospace primes, need precision-machined parts that only trained machinists can produce. A machinist who can program and hold tight tolerances is rarely out of work here.
Current CNC machinist Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring CNC Machinists
These Arlington-area employers hire CNC machinists across automotive, aerospace, and job-shop work.
- GM Arlington Assembly - tool-room and die-maintenance machining supporting the SUV plant.
- Lockheed Martin - precision aerospace machining at nearby Fort Worth operations.
- Bell Textron - aircraft-component machining across DFW facilities.
- Trinity Industries - machining for railcar and industrial products.
- Elbit America - defense-component precision machining in the Fort Worth area.
- Local job shops - the Great Southwest Industrial District holds dozens of contract machining shops.
CNC Machinist Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level (CNC operator): about 18 to 23 dollars per hour
- Experienced (CNC machinist): about 24 to 32 dollars per hour
- Senior (CNC programmer, setup machinist): about 33 to 45 dollars per hour
These are estimates that vary by industry, tolerance requirements, and shift. Aerospace and defense machining often pays at the top of the range. Most roles add overtime, shift differentials, and benefits including medical and 401k.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Arlington
Most Arlington machinists train through Tarrant County College's precision machining and CNC programs or through apprenticeships and on-the-job training that build from CNC operator to full machinist. NIMS certification is widely recognized and helps you earn more. Texas does not license machinists, so verified skill and blueprint accuracy drive pay. Aerospace and defense shops may require U.S. person status for ITAR-controlled work.
What the Job Involves
CNC machinists set up and operate mills and lathes, load programs, select tooling, dial in offsets, run parts, and inspect them to blueprint tolerances using micrometers, calipers, and gauges. Higher-level machinists write or edit G-code programs and troubleshoot to hold tight tolerances on precision parts.
Skills Employers Look For
- Blueprint and GD&T reading
- Precision measurement with micrometers and calipers
- Machine setup, tooling, and offsets
- G-code programming or editing (for higher roles)
- Attention to detail and problem-solving
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington machinists often start as a CNC operator, advance to CNC machinist, then setup machinist and CNC programmer, and can move into tool and die, manufacturing engineering support, or shop supervision. Aerospace and defense machining offers some of the highest local pay.
Related Careers in Arlington
If CNC machining interests you, these related Arlington roles are worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a CNC machinist in Texas?
No. Texas does not license CNC machinists. Employers value NIMS certification and proven skill, and aerospace or defense shops may require U.S. person status for ITAR-controlled work.
How long does it take to become a CNC machinist in Arlington?
A Tarrant County College certificate can take under a year, and reaching full machinist through operator work and on-the-job training typically takes two to four years. Programming skill takes longer to master.
What is the night-shift or overtime pay for CNC machinists in Arlington?
Night shifts commonly add about 1 to 3 dollars per hour, and overtime past 40 hours pays time-and-a-half. Machinists often work significant overtime given the demand.
Can you work as a CNC machinist remotely in Arlington?
No. Machining is hands-on at the machine, though some senior CNC programming can occasionally be done partly offline. The core job is site-based.
Which Arlington employer pays CNC machinists the most?
Aerospace and defense employers like Lockheed Martin and Bell Textron tend to pay at the top for precision machining, with skilled job shops and GM tool-room roles also competitive.