Registered apprenticeships
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Get certified as a CNC machinist in Texas
Texas has no state license for machinists. Most learn on the job or in an apprenticeship; NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) credentials show what you can do on a CNC mill or lathe.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
See the work
What CNC machinists do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Machinists Career VideoCareerOneStop · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
The steps in Texas
- 1
NIMS CNC Mill or Lathe Operations
Issued by NIMS
Run a CNC mill or lathe: a written exam plus machining a part to print, taken where NIMS-registered staff can test you.
Requirements and costs, from NIMS
- You need
- “You can earn any credential any time as long as you have access to the right equipment and personnel (i.e. account administrators, proctor, evaluator).” NIMS ↗
- Exam
- “Project – machine an industry-designed NIMS part to print specifications” NIMS ↗
- 2
NIMS CNC Programming, Setup and Operations
Issued by NIMS
Program and set up the machine yourself: the next NIMS credential for mill or lathe.
Requirements and costs, from NIMS
- You need
- NIMS's CNC Milling Specialist stack: Measurement, Materials and Safety; Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout; CNC Mill Operations; CNC Mill Programming, Setup, and Operations NIMS ↗
- Exam
- “Exams and Performance Evaluations are created and maintained by NIMS, and administered by organizations registered with NIMS.” NIMS ↗
Good to know
- “Machinists and tool and die makers typically gain competency through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.” BLS ↗
- “Completing a certification program, though optional, allows machinists and tool and die makers to demonstrate competency and may be helpful for advancement.” BLS ↗
- “To earn a credential, student must pass both theory and hands-on assessment.” NIMS ↗
- “NIMS credentials earned on or after June 30, 2026, are valid for five years.” NIMS ↗
- One test $80; two tests $110; one-year subscription $125 (up to 10 tests) NIMS ↗
What CNC machinists earn in Texas
Machinists
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $23.79 – $34.51 | $29.46 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $23.47 – $34.25 | $28.76 |
| San Antonio | $21.09 – $32.23 | $25.57 |
| Austin | $23.67 – $35.12 | $28.38 |
| All of Texas | $22.90 – $33.56 | $28.45 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $20.00 – $29.14 | $24.17 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $18.40 – $28.94 | $23.07 |
| San Antonio | $20.27 – $28.48 | $23.77 |
| Austin | $20.66 – $30.06 | $25.18 |
| All of Texas | $18.94 – $28.73 | $23.31 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. bls.gov/oes
Ways to pay for CNC machinist training
Workforce Solutions training scholarships
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
Workforce Pell
Office of the Texas Governor
Federal student aid for short-term programs. Texas's first approved programs include HVAC and machining at Weatherford College, welding at Texas Southmost College and electric power technology at Kilgore College. Ask the college's financial aid office how to apply.
Next deadlines not announced yet
Work Ethic Scholarship
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
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