Career change as a CNC machinist

Career change paths

• CNC programmer

  Also: CAM programmer

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As a CNC or CAM programmer you create programs on the computer, simulate machining and optimize processes before the parts go to the machine.

  What you bring:

  You know tools, cutting values, clamping devices and the quirks of your machines from practice.

  How to get there:

  Companies also give experienced machinists further in-house training (Einarbeitung), plus courses for CAM software at manufacturers or training providers, usually a few weeks. A qualification as a machining mechanic (Zerspanungsmechaniker/Zerspanungsmechanikerin) and experience on several machine types are a good basis, and further training as a master or technician helps additionally.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,307gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• Quality inspector

  Also: Metrology technician in the measuring room

  With on-the-job training

  You work every day with calipers, micrometers and gauges and know how tight tolerances can be. In the measuring room or in quality assurance you check parts with coordinate measuring machines and other measuring devices, evaluate results and document them.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training in quality assurance (Einarbeitung), usually for a few weeks to months. Equipment manufacturers and training providers offer courses in coordinate measuring technology, usually lasting a few days. Work in the measuring room is physically light, but shift work can be part of it.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €4,159gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• Tool mechanic

  Also: Mold maker

  With on-the-job training

  In tool and mold making you make individual parts for stamping, injection molding or forming tools, adapt them and assemble tools, with more variety than in series production.

  What you bring:

  You are skilled in turning, milling and exact measuring and know how to handle tight tolerances.

  How to get there:

  With a qualification as a machining mechanic, tool making companies often take you on and give you on-the-job training, usually for a few months, first at the machines and then in assembly. After several years in the occupation, you can also earn a qualification of your own as a tool mechanic (Werkzeugmechaniker/Werkzeugmechanikerin) through the external exam (Externenprüfung).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €4,063gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• Application technician for cutting tools

  Also: Field sales representative, tools and clamping devices

  With on-the-job training

  At the tool manufacturer or specialist dealer you advise production businesses, test tools directly on their machines and suggest better solutions.

  What you bring:

  You know from practice which tools, cutting materials and cutting values work for which material and where tool life is lost.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer or dealer (Einarbeitung) with product training, usually for a few weeks to months. A qualification as a machining mechanic, several years of practice and a driving license class B are usually expected. A lot of travel is part of the job; look for permanent employment instead of pure commission.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €5,550gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• Production controller

  Also: Production planning employee

  With on-the-job training

  In production control you plan which job runs on which machine when, monitor deadlines and coordinate with purchasing, warehouse and foremen.

  What you bring:

  You know setup and machining times, machine capacities and the consequences of missing parts from production.

  How to get there:

  You can move internally and get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung), usually for a few weeks to months, often with training in the company's ERP system. Basic business knowledge or further training to become a certified industrial foreman (Industriemeister) or technician improves your chances.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,873gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• Application technician for machine tools

  Also: Commissioning technician

  With on-the-job training

  At the machine manufacturer you demonstrate machines, run test machining for customers, commission machines at the customer's and train their staff.

  What you bring:

  You know CNC controls and setting up machines from practice and can explain the operation to others.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the machine manufacturer (Einarbeitung) with training on controls and machines, usually for several months. A qualification as a machining mechanic, good programming knowledge and willingness to travel are expected, often also English. A master or technician qualification is an advantage.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsLots of contact with people

  €5,034gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• Certified industrial foreman, metal

  Also: Production manager, machining

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a master craftsperson (Meister) you plan jobs, staff and machines, ensure quality and deadlines and lead your team.

  What you bring:

  You know setup times, machine utilization, tolerances and typical errors in machining from practice.

  How to get there:

  You take further training as a certified industrial foreman, specialization metal (Geprüfter Industriemeister Fachrichtung Metall), usually about 2 years alongside work, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). With a qualification in a metal trade you are admitted directly to the first exam part; with another qualification, after 2 years; without a vocational qualification, after 4 years of work experience. For the second part you need another year of work experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workLittle customer contact

  €5,639gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

• State-certified mechanical engineering technician

  Also: Work planner in production

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a technician you work in design, work planning or quality management and plan how parts are made economically.

  What you bring:

  You understand drawings, tolerances, materials and manufacturing processes from your own work at the machine.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in mechanical engineering, takes 2 years full-time or about 4 years alongside work and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). Access is usually with a vocational qualification and at least one year of work experience; the federal state sets the exact rules.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contact
  View job

• Metalworking instructor in a training workshop

  Also: Instructor for machining technology

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an instructor you look after trainees in the training workshop, practice with them on conventional and CNC machines and prepare them for the exams.

  What you bring:

  You know machines, tools and measuring technology in machining from practice and can explain work steps clearly.

  How to get there:

  Under the Vocational Training Act you need a suitable vocational qualification, for example as a machining mechanic, work experience and the trainer aptitude exam (Ausbildereignungsprüfung) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The course for it takes a few weeks, also alongside work. Full-time instructor jobs exist mainly in larger industrial companies and training centers; otherwise it is often an additional task.*Regulated by law (Vocational Training Act (BBiG) § 30, Trainer Aptitude Ordinance (AEVO)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLittle customer contact

  €4,462gross per monthMedian salary

  View job

Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.