CNC Machinist
Operates computer numerical control (CNC) machines to produce precision metal and plastic parts. Reads CAD drawings, programs tool paths (G-code or CAM software), and operates lathes, mills and multi-axis machines for manufacturing, prototyping and repair. A high-skill trade where programming ability separates machinists from operators.
- AI exposure
- 3 of 100, low exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 42%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- No
- Freelance potential
- Medium
- Time to senior
- 6 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Programs a CNC mill to produce a custom bracket from a CAD file, sets up tooling and workholding, runs a test cut, inspects the finished part with callipers, and adjusts tool offsets.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 45,000-70,000
- Mid
- KES 80,000-130,000
- Senior
- KES 160,000-280,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 2% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside trades & vocational the mean is 11, across 66 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 15%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 40%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 45%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Generating tool path optimisations from CAD models using CAM software
- Producing G-code from 3D models (Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM)
- Automating quality inspection with CMM and vision systems
- AI-assisted predictive maintenance for CNC machines
Still human
- Reading and interpreting complex CAD drawings and blueprints
- Programming CNC machines (G-code, CAM software)
- Setting up tools, workholding and fixtures for each job
- Operating CNC lathes, mills and 5-axis machines
- Performing first-article inspection and quality control with precision metrology
- Troubleshooting machine issues, tool wear and surface finish problems
- Selecting appropriate cutting tools, speeds and feeds for materials
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Certificate in Metal Processing TechnologyKsh 42,600a year
- Artisan in Building TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
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- Artisan in Front Office OperationsKsh 67,189a year
- Artisan in HorticultureKsh 67,189a year
- Artisan in Land SurveyingKsh 67,189a year
- Artisan in MasonryKsh 67,189a year
- Artisan in Refrigeration and Air ConditioningKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
Mechanical engineering diploma
3 yearsMedium cost
Diploma from a technical institute
Machinist apprenticeship + CNC
3-5 yearsLow cost
Traditional machining plus CNC training
Who hires
- Numerical Machining Complex
- KIRDI
- Gearbox Nairobi
- Associated Battery Manufacturers
- Steel mills Kenya
Common misconceptions
CNC is just pressing buttons
It requires CAD/CAM skills, G-code programming, material knowledge and precision measurement — a high-skill trade.
No jobs in Kenya
Manufacturing companies are adopting CNC and struggling to find qualified operators.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 42
- Supply pressure
- 8
- Balance
- High demand — structural shortage, 62% increase in time to fill
What to learn
- CAD/CAM programming (Mastercam, Fusion 360)
- 5-axis machining
- Precision metrology (CMM)
- G-code programming
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
CNC machining growing as Kenyan manufacturing modernises. Numerical Machining Complex at JKUAT and KIRDI have CNC capabilities. Gearbox Nairobi provides maker access to CNC machines. Global: median salary $48,000-$56,150/year. Entry $32,000-$42K, journeyman $58-72K, senior $80-95K+. 34,200 annual openings projected (BLS). Structural talent shortage — 2.1M manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030. Time-to-fill increased 62% since 2021 (68 days average). Programming ability is the key differentiator — machinists who program earn significant premium. 5-axis and aerospace machining command highest rates. 92% of construction firms report difficulty hiring qualified workers.
Further reading
This role is rated 3 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.