Do you already need to know how to program the machines ?

It is an asset but not essential: CNC programming can be learned, and a solid machining foundation often counts for more at the start.

Which sectors hire the most ?

Automotive, aerospace and medical technology are among the sectors that hire the most machinists.

CNC machinist

A precision, high-tech trade in strong demand across German industry, where your skills matter from day one.

All sectors

The profession

The CNC machinist produces precision parts by turning, milling and grinding. They set up and program computer numerical control (CNC) machines, read technical drawings and check tolerances.

Salary

The median across all experience levels is around 3,900 to 4,067 €/month (average about 3,923 €), roughly 3,790 € in the west and about 3,150 € in the east ; entry level starts around 2,800 € (source: Entgeltatlas, Bundesagentur für Arbeit, 2025). Pay is often set by the IG Metall collective agreement (holiday pay, Christmas pay, shift bonuses, 35-hour week).

Employers hiring

Major industrial firms hire regularly: Bosch, ZF, Continental, Mahle, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Trumpf, DMG Mori, Liebherr, Krones, MTU Aero Engines, Airbus, Aesculap and Karl Storz.

Prospects

Demand for this trade stays strong. Since 2024, however, it is no longer on the official list of certified shortage occupations, so this is strong demand rather than a certified shortage.

Career progression

You can specialise in 5-axis CNC programming, earn a Techniker or Meister qualification, move into quality control or become a workshop supervisor.

Language level

On the shop floor, safety rules, work instructions and documentation are in German. B2 is the standard employers expect, and it is the level we aim for.

Diploma recognition

This trade is not regulated: you do not need recognition to practise it, but the skilled worker visa requires a recognised qualification equivalent to German training. We have your diploma and experience assessed and start the recognition procedure (Anerkennung) with you.

Visa

The main routes are the skilled worker visa with a recognised qualification, the recognition partnership that since March 2024 lets you enter and work while completing recognition on site (A2 level required), and the Chancenkarte (opportunity card) to come and look for a job. The EU Blue Card, reserved for university profiles, does not apply to this trade. We check your eligibility and build the application with you.

Your Karriere Fähre support

We train you in German up to the level you need, get your qualification recognised, present your profile to German employers, prepare the visa application and support you all the way to your arrival.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you already need to know how to program the machines ?: It is an asset but not essential: CNC programming can be learned, and a solid machining foundation often counts for more at the start.
Which sectors hire the most ?: Automotive, aerospace and medical technology are among the sectors that hire the most machinists.

Indicative gross ranges from public German sources (Federal Employment Agency, Entgeltatlas, Gehalt.de, StepStone, IHK, IG Metall). In industry, pay is often set by the collective agreement (IG Metall) and varies by region, employer and experience. Recognition and visa rules change: always check your case with the competent German authorities.