CNC Machine Operator Jobs in Canada
Sector: Manufacturing & Maintenance · Typical gross pay: 17.50–33.08 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia
Role overview
This page describes a typical CNC Machine Operator role in Canada (manufacturing shops, machining centres, and production lines). Day-to-day duties vary by employer, but the core expectations are consistent: safe machine operation, reliable part quality, and repeatable output.
A CNC operator in Canada is often the “last checkpoint” before parts go downstream. Shops value operators who can keep cycles stable, catch dimensional drift early, and document checks clearly—especially on shift work where handovers matter.
Typical wages in Canada (gross, CAD/hour)
The figures below are gross hourly wages (before deductions). Actual pay depends on the shop, machine type, materials, shift premiums, and your setup/inspection scope.
| Region | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 17.50 | 25.00 | 33.08 |
| Ontario | 17.60 | 24.00 | 34.50 |
| Quebec | 20.61 | 25.26 | 33.53 |
| Alberta | 22.00 | 30.00 | 40.87 |
| British Columbia | 22.00 | 26.40 | 31.75 |
Notes: “Gross pay” means before income tax and statutory deductions. Overtime rules and thresholds vary by province and by employment category.
Detailed requirements (what employers look for)
Core technical skills
- CNC operation: load/run programs, verify tooling, monitor cycle stability, manage coolant and chip control
- Offsets & tool changes: adjust wear/geometry offsets within defined limits, perform basic tool swaps, track tool life
- Blueprint reading: interpret drawings, datums, basic GD&T (as applicable to the shop)
- Metrology: calipers, micrometers; understands tolerance bands and sampling checks
- Quality documentation: record measurements, in-process inspection logs, nonconformance reporting
- Material awareness: aluminum/steel/stainless basics; understands burr control and surface finish
Workplace skills (Canada shop reality)
- Safety mindset: PPE compliance, machine guarding, clean workstation, hazard reporting
- Reliability: punctuality, consistent attendance, stable performance on shift schedules
- Communication: clear shift handover notes; reports drift, tool wear, and defects early
- Physical readiness: standing, repetitive handling, lifting within site limits
- English: functional shop communication (typical expectation: A2–B1 or better)
Strong advantages
- Experience with common controls (for example: Fanuc, Haas, Mazak) — depends on the employer
- Setup exposure (basic fixture alignment, first-article checks, probing routines) — if the role includes setup
- Certificates that often help in Canada: forklift, overhead crane/hoist, WHMIS, first aid (site-dependent)
- Proof of work quality: references, measurement examples, part photos (non-confidential), stable job history
Work permit & documents (Canada)
Most foreign nationals need authorization to work in Canada. The exact pathway depends on the employer, province, and your situation. The summary below is practical and candidate-focused (no external links on this page).
Typical employer-driven route (most common)
- Employment contract / written job offer from the Canadian employer.
- Employer support document: either an LMIA (when required) or an offer of employment number for LMIA-exempt categories (when applicable).
- Your application package: passport, biometrics (if required), proof you can do the job (CV, experience evidence), and other documents requested by the visa office.
Quebec note
If the job is in Quebec, employers and candidates may need additional provincial authorization steps (often referenced as a Quebec acceptance process) before or alongside the work permit process, depending on the stream.
Working conditions in Canada (what to expect)
Schedule & overtime
- Shift work is common: days / afternoons / nights, sometimes rotating.
- Overtime premiums are typically higher than the base rate, but thresholds differ by province and by role classification.
- Many shops use production targets and quality KPIs; accuracy remains the priority over speed.
Safety & shop standards
- PPE is mandatory (safety footwear, eye/hearing protection as required).
- Expect standard operating procedures, machine guarding rules, and incident reporting.
- Cleanliness matters: 5S habits and safe chip/coolant handling are frequently monitored.
Practical details that improve success
- Be specific in your CV: machine types, tolerances you held, inspection tools used, materials, cycle times, and whether you performed any setup.
- Explain how you prevent defects: sampling frequency, first-article routine, tool wear checks, and documentation habits.
- Show stability: Canada employers often prioritize reliability and consistent output over “one-time” high performance.
How to apply (CV required)
- Create or upload your CV here: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add: CNC machines/controls, materials, inspection tools, certificates, preferred province, availability
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Pay ranges on this page are indicative and presented as gross hourly wages. Final offers depend on the employer, province, and the exact scope of responsibilities.
Related roles in Manufacturing & Maintenance
Internal links to similar vacancies.
FAQ
Is a CV required?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Are wages shown gross or net?
All wage figures on this page are shown as gross hourly pay (before deductions).
What experience is usually expected?
Most employers expect hands-on CNC operation experience (lathe/mill/machining centre), basic blueprint reading, confident measurement (calipers/micrometers), and stable quality output.
Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?
In most cases, yes. Many candidates use an employer-driven route based on a job offer/contract plus employer support (LMIA or an employer offer number where applicable), along with passport/biometrics and proof of eligibility for the job.
What are typical locations?
Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia. Actual sites vary by employer and production needs.