CNC machinist training in Chicago, Illinois

33 CNC machinist programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

12 schools offer these machinist programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, and every one is approved for workforce funding: 28 by Illinois and 5 by Indiana. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Machinists set up and run equipment, including computer-controlled (CNC) machines, to make precision metal parts and tools. Community colleges and technical schools offer certificates and two-year degrees that teach reading engineering drawings and programming CNC machines.¹

In Chicago, 5 of the 33 programs take students without a high school diploma, 12 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 16 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 33 programs here are machinist certificate or diploma (11 programs), CNC or machine operator (8 programs), short course or single class (6 programs), machinist (associate degree, 4 programs), and 4 more of 2 other kinds.

See the 33 programs

All 64 CNC machinist programs in Illinois, including online programs

How much does CNC machinist training cost in Chicago?

$2,975 to $9,633

is what the 5 programs with a price cost if you pay yourself

In the typical program

Finished the program: Not enough data; 2 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Working 6 months later: Not enough data; 2 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Earned a year, estimated: Not enough data; 2 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Length: 16 to 48 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Chicago may also offer CNC machinist training. How these figures are made

Is there free CNC machinist training in Chicago?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.²³⁴
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁵ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁴
Or pay yourself. These programs cost $2,975 to $9,633.
Or earn while you learn. Apprentices are paid for their work on the job.⁶ 1 of the 33 programs here is an apprenticeship, and it lists no price.

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: paid apprenticeships, financial aid and the GI Bill

All 33 CNC machinist programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

33 programs

Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct)
Ivy Tech Community College
Valparaiso
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Ivy Tech Community College, ValparaisoMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$41,500
Price if you pay yourself$4,912
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
More details about Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
Finished
52%
Working at 6 months
80%
Earned in a quarter
$10,371
Length
52 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$642
Students counted
41
Earned a year, estimated
$41,500
Price if you pay yourself
$4,912
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
Machinist (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas)
Ivy Tech Community College
Valparaiso
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Ivy Tech Community College, ValparaisoMachinist (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$39,400
Price if you pay yourself$9,633
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
More details about Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
Finished
26%
Working at 6 months
82%
Earned in a quarter
$9,844
Length
104 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,290
Students counted
26
Earned a year, estimated
$39,400
Price if you pay yourself
$9,633
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
CNC or machine operatorIn personPrerequisite courses
Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification
Ivy Tech Community College
East Chicago
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Ivy Tech Community College, East ChicagoCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,975
Program website, Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification at Ivy Tech Community College
More details about Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification at Ivy Tech Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
8 weeks, 12 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,975
Program website, Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification at Ivy Tech Community College
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct)
Ivy Tech Community College
East Chicago
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Ivy Tech Community College, East ChicagoMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$4,912
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
More details about Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
52 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$642
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$4,912
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
Machinist (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas)
Ivy Tech Community College
East Chicago
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Ivy Tech Community College, East ChicagoMachinist (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$9,633
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
More details about Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
104 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,290
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$9,633
Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
Short course or single classIn personNo diploma needed
21st Centrury CNC Level 1
Technology and Manufacturing Association
Schaumburg
No diploma needed
Technology and Manufacturing Association, SchaumburgShort course or single classIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, 21st Centrury CNC Level 1 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
More details about 21st Centrury CNC Level 1 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, 21st Centrury CNC Level 1 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Short course or single classIn personPrerequisite courses
21st Centrury CNC Level 2
Technology and Manufacturing Association
Schaumburg
Prerequisite courses
Technology and Manufacturing Association, SchaumburgShort course or single classIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, 21st Centrury CNC Level 2 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
More details about 21st Centrury CNC Level 2 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, 21st Centrury CNC Level 2 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses
CNC 205: CNC Technology With Quality Control
Symbol Training Institute
Skokie
Education and courses
Symbol Training Institute, SkokieMachinist certificate or diplomaIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC 205: CNC Technology With Quality Control at Symbol Training Institute
More details about CNC 205: CNC Technology With Quality Control at Symbol Training Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC 205: CNC Technology With Quality Control at Symbol Training Institute
Short course or single classHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
CNC Job Readiness Certificate
College Of DuPage
Glen Ellyn
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
College Of DuPage, Glen EllynShort course or single class · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Job Readiness Certificate at College Of DuPage
More details about CNC Job Readiness Certificate at College Of DuPage
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Job Readiness Certificate at College Of DuPage
CNC or machine operatorHybridPrerequisite courses
CNC Machine Operations-NIMS Test Preparation
Oakton College
Skokie
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Oakton College, SkokieCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Machine Operations-NIMS Test Preparation at Oakton College
More details about CNC Machine Operations-NIMS Test Preparation at Oakton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
4 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Machine Operations-NIMS Test Preparation at Oakton College
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
CNC Machining Advanced Certificate
Wright College - North Campus
Chicago
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Wright College - North Campus, ChicagoMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Machining Advanced Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
More details about CNC Machining Advanced Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Machining Advanced Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
CNC Machining Basic Certificate
Wright College - North Campus
Chicago
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Wright College - North Campus, ChicagoMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Machining Basic Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
More details about CNC Machining Basic Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Machining Basic Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
Machinist (associate degree)HybridPrerequisite courses
CNC Machining Technology AAS 24NA
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeMachinist (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Machining Technology AAS 24NA at College of Lake County
More details about CNC Machining Technology AAS 24NA at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Machining Technology AAS 24NA at College of Lake County
CNC or machine operatorIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
CNC Operations Certificate
College Of DuPage
Glen Ellyn
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
College Of DuPage, Glen EllynCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Operations Certificate at College Of DuPage
More details about CNC Operations Certificate at College Of DuPage
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
72 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Operations Certificate at College Of DuPage
CNC programmingIn personEducation and courses
CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate
Oakton College
Skokie
Accredited school
Education and courses
Oakton College, SkokieCNC programming · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate at Oakton College
More details about CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate at Oakton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate at Oakton College
CNC or machine operatorIn personNo diploma needed
CNC Operator BVS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Operator BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about CNC Operator BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Operator BVS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
CNC programmingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
CNC Programmer Certificate
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveCNC programming · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Programmer Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
More details about CNC Programmer Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Programmer Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
Machinist certificate or diplomaHybridPrerequisite courses
CNC Programming Technician Cert 24NG
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Programming Technician Cert 24NG at College of Lake County
More details about CNC Programming Technician Cert 24NG at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Programming Technician Cert 24NG at College of Lake County
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personPrerequisite courses
CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH at College of Lake County
More details about CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH at College of Lake County
CNC or machine operatorIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
CNC-Operator Certificate
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC-Operator Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
More details about CNC-Operator Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC-Operator Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
CNC programmingIn personEducation and courses
CNC/CAM Programming Certificate
Oakton College
Skokie
Accredited school
Education and courses
Oakton College, SkokieCNC programming · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, CNC/CAM Programming Certificate at Oakton College
More details about CNC/CAM Programming Certificate at Oakton College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, CNC/CAM Programming Certificate at Oakton College
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personPrerequisite courses
Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285 at Joliet Junior College
More details about Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
26 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285 at Joliet Junior College
CNC or machine operatorIn personEducation and courses
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Education and courses
Harper College, PalatineCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate at Harper College
More details about Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
40 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate at Harper College
CNC or machine operatorHybridEducation and courses
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Education and courses
Harper College, PalatineCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate at Harper College
More details about Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
40 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate at Harper College
Short course or single classIn personPrerequisite courses
Intermediate Swiss CNC
Technology and Manufacturing Association
Schaumburg
Prerequisite courses
Technology and Manufacturing Association, SchaumburgShort course or single classIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Intermediate Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
More details about Intermediate Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
8 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Intermediate Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Short course or single classIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Introductory to Swiss CNC
Technology and Manufacturing Association
Schaumburg
High school diploma or equivalent
Technology and Manufacturing Association, SchaumburgShort course or single classIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Introductory to Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
More details about Introductory to Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
6 weeks, 36 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Introductory to Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
Machinist apprenticeshipIn personNo diploma needed
Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginMachinist apprenticeship · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
192 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP at Elgin Comm. College District #509
CNC or machine operatorIn personNo diploma needed
Machine Tool Operations VS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginCNC or machine operator · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Machine Tool Operations VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Machine Tool Operations VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Machine Tool Operations VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Machinist (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed
Machine Tool Technology AAS
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginMachinist (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Machine Tool Technology AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Machine Tool Technology AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Machine Tool Technology AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Machinist certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Machinist - Certificate
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Prairie State College, Chicago HeightsMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Machinist - Certificate at Prairie State College
More details about Machinist - Certificate at Prairie State College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Machinist - Certificate at Prairie State College
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personPrerequisite courses
Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO)
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO) at Joliet Junior College
More details about Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO) at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
26 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO) at Joliet Junior College
Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses
NIMS Certificate Program
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights
Accredited school
Education and courses
Prairie State College, Chicago HeightsMachinist certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, NIMS Certificate Program at Prairie State College
More details about NIMS Certificate Program at Prairie State College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
20 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, NIMS Certificate Program at Prairie State College
Short course or single classHybridPrerequisite courses
Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine
Wright College - North Campus
Chicago
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Wright College - North Campus, ChicagoShort course or single class · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine at Wright College - North Campus
More details about Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine at Wright College - North Campus
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine at Wright College - North Campus

How to pay for CNC machinist training in Chicago

WIOA funding can pay for CNC machinist training in Chicago

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Paid machinist apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a job: you're paid to learn, with a raise as your skills grow, and most include classroom teaching. You apply to the employer or the program sponsor. Ask what you'll pay for the classroom part and what you'll earn on the job.⁶

Financial aid and grants for CNC machinist training

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.⁷⁸

GI Bill for CNC machinist training

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁹

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Machinist apprenticeships in Chicago

A machinist apprenticeship is usually run by an employer. It combines paid training on the job with related classes and lasts several years.¹

You apply to the employer or the program sponsor, not through a school.⁶ The Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Finder lists openings by place and job. This page lists 1 machinist apprenticeship approved for WIOA funding in Chicago, with no price listed. Ask what you'll pay for the classes and what you'll earn on the job.

Show only the machinist apprenticeship

What is an apprenticeship, and can WIOA pay for one?

Other training in Chicago

How CNC machinist training compares with the rest of skilled trades across Illinois: Trade school programs in Illinois

Where the Chicago machinist program numbers come from

Which Chicago machinist programs are on this list?

These are the machinist programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).¹⁰ The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Illinois page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How the prices and results of Chicago machinist programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

How reliable are the Illinois figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Illinois among the states with "known data quality concerns".¹¹ We leave out the share who finished for Illinois: only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%. We leave out prices for Illinois: the state files a code in place of each price, so no price can be shown.

Sources for the facts about CNC machinist training in Chicago

Show the 11 sourcesHide the sources

Nursing and patient care

Medical office and lab

General healthcare

Skilled trades

Transportation and logistics

Computers and IT

Business and office

Beauty and personal care

Public safety

Food and hospitality

Education and social services

CNC machinist training in Chicago, Illinois

How much does CNC machinist training cost in Chicago?

Is there free CNC machinist training in Chicago?

All 33 CNC machinist programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct)

Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas)

Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification

Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct)

Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas)

21st Centrury CNC Level 1

21st Centrury CNC Level 2

CNC 205: CNC Technology With Quality Control

CNC Job Readiness Certificate

CNC Machine Operations-NIMS Test Preparation

CNC Machining Advanced Certificate

CNC Machining Basic Certificate

CNC Machining Technology AAS 24NA

CNC Operations Certificate

CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate

CNC Operator BVS

CNC Programmer Certificate

CNC Programming Technician Cert 24NG

CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH

CNC-Operator Certificate

CNC/CAM Programming Certificate

Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate

Intermediate Swiss CNC

Introductory to Swiss CNC

Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP

Machine Tool Operations VS

Machine Tool Technology AAS

Machinist - Certificate

Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO)

NIMS Certificate Program

Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine