Things To Consider Before Learning Mastercam

Posted on: 26 June 2017

Mastercam is a computer-aided design, or CAD, program used by CNC machine tool programmers to design and create machine parts. It's possible to take Mastercam classes online to learn the necessary skills to pass the certification exam, but you may have even better luck getting a job by completing a manufacturing technology associate's degree. Either way, there are some potential benefits if you learn Mastercam.

Salary Outlook

The salary potential for people with Mastercam certification varies depending on experience, location, and the exact job they have. For example, the average annual salary for a CNC Programmer in the U.S. is almost $58,000, while a Senior CNC Programmer can make more than $88,000 per year as of 2017. The level of certification for Mastercam will also affect earnings. Those with an Associate Level Certification won't earn as much as those with a Professional Level Certification. 

Demand

The demand for CNC machine tool programmers working in metal and plastic is expected to increase by 19 percent between 2014 and 2024. You can increase your demand by learning how to program using multiple types of CAD or CAM systems. Areas with a lot of manufacturing jobs, including bigger cities like Minneapolis and Houston, tend to have more jobs and higher paying jobs, but it isn't uncommon to have to start at the bottom and work your way up as you get experience. Learning Mastercam and becoming a CNC machine tool programmer is a good way for metal and plastic workers to move up into a new career, as the demand for these workers is expected to decline by 13 percent by 2024.

Where to Look

The states with the most jobs for CNC machine tool programmers are California, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. However, Washington, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Oregon companies tend to have the highest salaries. These higher salaries may be at least in part to the fact that these states all have a high cost of living. Keep in mind that you need to take into account the cost of living as well as the salary, meaning you may be better off choosing to work somewhere that pays a bit less if the cost of living is a lot less. Opting for somewhere that has a lot of jobs can be a good idea, as it means that it could be easier to find a new job when you need to without having to move to a new state.

For more information, visit a site like CNCPROGRAMMINGACADEMY.COM.

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