CNC Service Technician

CNC Service Technicians are essential in any manufacturing setting. A career made for problem solvers; CNC Service Technicians are in high demand nationwide.

The CNC Service Technician program at Anoka Technical College was designed by manufacturing leaders and the college offers the only diploma program in Minnesota.

Through a hands-on, career-oriented curriculum, students obtain a solid education in machine repair, industry fundamentals and electronic fundamentals working on equipment on the Anoka Tech campus. Students spend their last semester of the program with faculty in the field to get customer-facing experience.

100% job placement before graduation

Only diploma program in Minnesota

Industry demand increasing for in-house and traveling technicians

Potential Jobs:

CNC Service Technician
Maintenance Machinist
Maintenance Mechanic

Salary Information:
Median Wage: $35.38 per hour
Top Earners: $47.38 per hour

Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at careerwise.minnstate.edu.

Program Details

Program Details (pdf)

Program Information

The Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Service Technician program is a 64-credit diploma that includes technical and general education components. This diploma provides the skills for working in the manufacturing sector or as a field service technician. Full-time students can obtain a diploma in two years. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

CNC Service Technicians play a vital role in maintaining and servicing industrial equipment. Technicians inspect, calibrate, maintain and repair equipment.

Designed by manufacturing industry leaders, the program provides a comprehensive, hands-on, career-oriented curriculum. Students will obtain a solid education in machine repair, industry fundamentals and electronic fundamentals.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate and practice maintenance skills consistent with industry expectations.
Exhibit safety principles and practices in a manufacturing environment.
Develop critical and creative thinking processes required to effectively and efficiently diagnose and repair technical problems.
Develop and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to an individual company’s expectations.
Demonstrate efficient interpersonal skills with customers, machine operators, and co-workers.

Industry and Career Outlook

Positions in this field may be either on-site or field service personnel involving highly technical repair and maintenance of Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machine and robotic automation equipment. Automation in manufacturing perpetuates an increased need for highly skilled technicians. Equipment serviced is encompassed by many sectors of manufacturing and may require background checks and proof of citizenship for entry into facilities including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as well as non-disclosure agreements and intellectual property protections. Field service may also involve varying amounts of travel to and from client sites.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

What to Expect from the Learning Environment

Take a self-guided virtual tour of our campus to see what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech. View program labs, common student spaces, campus offices and more.

Virtual Tour

Program Sequence

Some courses in this program may require a prerequisite. Please see course descriptions for more details.

Program Sequence

Spring Semester		15
Fall Semester		17
ETEC 1102	Mechatronic 1 DC	3
ETEC 1113	Mechatronic 2 AC	3
ETEC 1141	Circuit Analysis	4
ETEC 1250	Digital I	3
MAIN 1100	Pneumatic & Hydraulics	4
ETEC 1170	Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)	2
ETEC 1202	Solid State Electronic Devices	5
MACH 1105	Basic Machining	3
MACH 1221	Grinding	2
MACH 1261	CNC Programming 1	3
Fall Semester		15
MACH 1251	CNC Machining	3
MAIN 2310	Peripheral Machine Systems	2
MAIN 2320	Electric Motors and Sensors	3
MAIN 2330	Power Transmission	4
MAIN 2340	Controls	3
Spring Semester		17
ENGL 2105	Business and Technical Writing (Goal 1&2)	4
MAIN 2400	Service/Machine Troubleshooting	5
MAIN 2410	Preventative Maintenance	2
MAIN 2420	Electrical Troubleshooting	3
MAIN 2430	Accuracies	3

Part-Time Course Options

Students can choose to complete the CNC Service Technician diploma program part-time. Part-time students will take longer to complete their program than students who follow the full-time sequence listed on the official program guide. Because every course may not be offered each semester, it is important for part-time students to reach out to their faculty advisor for help in planning their long-term part-time course sequence.

Below, new students can find first semester part-time course options. After the first semester, work with your faculty advisor to plan future semesters.

Fall Semester Part-Time Start Options

ETEC 1250 Digital 1

MAIN 1100 Pneumatics and Hydraulics

ENGL 2105 Business and Technical Writing

MACH 1220 Grinding

Spring Semester Part-Time Start Options

MACH 1105 Basic Machining

MACH 1220 Grinding

MAIN 2410 Preventative Maintenance

Note: Course options may differ depending on whether you plan to start in the fall or spring semester. ETEC and MAIN courses for new students are not always available in the spring term.

Students starting in the spring semester have the option of starting with ENGL 2105 Business & Technical Writing (or any necessary developmental Reading/English courses) if no ETEC or MAIN courses are being offered.