CNC Operator (Turning)
Runs computer-numerically-controlled lathes for turning operations and carries out routine machine maintenance.
Overview
The cutting, drilling, shaping of many parts in metal, wood etc. are done by numerically controlled computerised (CNC) lathe machines. The operators of these machines are trained in carrying out turning operations through these CNC machines. They are also trained in maintenance of these machines, which includes minute operations during work like removing metals from the cylindrical rotating piece. They have to carry out routine maintenance of the machine so that there are no problems during production.
Where they work
- Manufacturing companies
- Machine tool companies
- Machine distributors
Work environment
Working hours are about 8/9 hours per day and 5/6 days per week. Shift duty is common. Contractual jobs are also available. At times work may involve travel. Jobs are available in India and abroad.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to assemble things
- You like working with numbers
- You enjoy figuring out how things work
- You are comfortable in a team
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment. NSQF course levels, entry requirements and availability change — verify with the training provider.
- 1Minimum qualification: after completion of class 10, with a minimum age of 18, you can enrol for a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 3 course for CNC Operator – Turning.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- CNC Training Center (CNCTC), National Institute & Engineering, Mysore, Karnataka
- National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, New Delhi
- Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Anbit Automation, Kerala
- Pixine CNC, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1CNC Operator – Turning
- 2Other CNC/Machine Operating Roles
- 3Supervisor
- 4Manager
Expected income
₹5,000 – ₹25,000 per month
As printed: a fresher earns about INR 5,000 to 8,000 per month, and a CNC Operator – Turning with experience about INR 12,000 to 25,000 per month. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
Related careers to explore
Operator - Boring Machine
Carries out boring operations on sheets, plates, rolled sections or pipes using horizontal and/or vertical boring machines.
Mechanical Fitter
Maintains and repairs mechanical systems in heavy earth-moving machinery — crushers, pumps, forklifts, vehicles and compressors used in a mine.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to building.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
K. Prabhu — He stays in Hyderabad and was in search of a job after completing school. He heard about training provided by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and approached the institute for an opportunity. After counselling he agreed to do a course in CNC turning at NSIC; the training was for two months. After completing the course he was successfully placed with a company called Techno Graph at a monthly salary of INR 8,000, and is happy to get a positive start to his life.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 899 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Anbit Automation and Pixine CNC, listed under government institutes, are private companies, so they are shown under private institutes here. 'Indusrital Traning (ITI's)' is corrected to Industrial Training Institutes. The short link to the salary source ends in a character that cannot be read with certainty (l or I), so it is not shown.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.