CNC Setup Technician

Program Information

Degree Type
20-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code
30-420-4

Time to Degree
1 year

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

On Campus

CNC setup technicians read blueprint drawings and convert them to machine code. They operate machines that produce precision parts used in numerous products for various industries. In this program, learn how to interpret prints and make parts to accepted tolerances, and develop skills to program computer numerical control machines.

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

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Contact Us

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you have an interest in manufacturing and enjoy taking raw materials and transforming them into specific parts, a career as a computer numerical control (CNC) technician may be for you. Those in this field have a high mechanical aptitude, like working with their hands, and have the ability to interpret prints.

CNC Setup Technician
Machine Operator
CNC Programmer
CNC Operator

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$30,700 – $45,900 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Program Courses

Manufacturing Programs

Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique

Develop skills in WCTC’s state-of-the-art Terry Lutz Integrated Manufacturing Center (IMC).
Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in an award-winning SkillsUSA team.
This is the first program in the Tool and Die pathway. Advance your career by continuing with the Machine Tool Operation technical diploma.

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Similar Programs

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Machine Tool Operation

Learn to operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines, interpret engineering drawings and use applied mathematics.

Tool and Die Making

Learn complex and conventional machining, computer numerical control machining and grinding operations.

Related Certificates

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CNC Operator

Learn the basics of machine tool operations, CNC fundamentals, blueprint reading skills and related industrial math.

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Tool and Die Making Pathway

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More