CNC Machining Cost Per Hour: What Shops Really Charge (2026 Guide)

CNC machining cost per hour typically ranges from $50 to $150+ per hour, depending on the machine type, material, tolerance requirements, and job complexity. However, the hourly rate alone doesn’t tell the full story and relying on it can lead to inaccurate cost estimates.

This guide breaks down real-world CNC machining hourly costs, what affects them, and how to estimate your actual part price without getting burned by hidden factors.

CNC Machining Cost Per Hour

CNC Machining Cost Per Hour (Quick Overview)

Machine Type	Typical Hourly Rate
3-axis CNC mill	$50–$80/hr
4-axis CNC mill	$70–$100/hr
5-axis CNC mill	$90–$150+/hr
CNC lathe	$60–$90/hr
Swiss lathe	$100–$180/hr
EDM (wire/sink)	$75–$130/hr

These are shop rates, not final part costs.

Why CNC Machining Hourly Rates Vary So Much

Two quotes with the same hourly rate can differ 2–3× in total cost. Here’s why.

1. Machine Type & Capability

More axes = higher cost.

• 5-axis machines reduce setups but cost more to operate

• Swiss lathes command premium pricing due to precision and tooling

2. Material Being Machined

Harder materials = slower feeds + more tool wear.

Material	Cost Impact
Aluminum	Low
Mild steel	Medium
Stainless steel	Medium–High
Titanium / Inconel	High

3. Tolerances & Surface Finish

Tighter tolerances mean:

• Slower cycle times

• More inspection

• Higher scrap risk

A ±0.001” tolerance may cost 30–50% more than ±0.005”.

4. Setup Time (The Biggest Missed Factor)

Many buyers fixate on hourly rate and ignore setup.

• Simple setup: 30–60 minutes

• Complex or multi-op setup: 3–8 hours+

For low-volume jobs, setup time often costs more than machining time.

CNC Machining Cost Per Hour vs Total Part Cost

Hourly rate is just one input. Shops actually price jobs using:

(Set-up Time × Shop Rate)
+ (Cycle Time × Quantity × Shop Rate)
+ Material
+ Tooling
+ Overhead & Margin

Example: Small Batch Aluminum Part (Qty 25)

Cost Item	Estimate
Setup (2 hrs × $75)	$150
Cycle time (6 min × 25)	$188
Material	$90
Inspection & overhead	$75
Total	$503 (~$20/part)

Same hourly rate, different job = wildly different outcomes.

CNC Machining Cost Per Hour for Prototypes vs Production

Job Type	Cost Characteristics
Prototype (1–5 parts)	High cost per part
Low volume (10–100)	Setup amortized
Production (1,000+)	Lowest per-part cost

Rule of thumb:If quantity is under 10, expect higher effective hourly cost, regardless of quoted rate.

What’s a “Good” CNC Machining Hourly Rate?

There’s no universal “cheap” rate—but there are red flags.

🚩 Warning Signs

• Extremely low rates ($30–40/hr)

• No breakdown of setup vs cycle time

• Vague tolerances or inspection details

These often lead to:

• Quality issues

• Missed deadlines

• Surprise add-on charges

CNC Machining Cost Per Hour by Region (Generalized)

Region	Typical Cost
United States	$70–150/hr
Eastern Europe	$40–80/hr
China	$30–70/hr
Southeast Asia	$35–75/hr

Lower hourly rates offshore often come with:

• Longer lead times

• Communication delays

• Higher logistics risk

Common CNC Machining Cost Mistakes Buyers Make

1. Comparing Hourly Rates Only

You should compare total landed cost, not shop rate.

2. Over-Tolerancing Drawings

Unnecessary tight tolerances drive cost without adding value.

3. Ignoring Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Minor design tweaks can reduce cycle time by 20–40%.

How to Reduce CNC Machining Costs (Without Sacrificing Quality)

• Simplify geometry where possible

• Use standard material sizes

• Avoid tight tolerances unless required

• Increase batch size slightly (even +5–10 units helps)

• Ask shops for DFM feedback before quoting

CNC Machining Cost Per Hour: FAQ

Is CNC machining charged hourly?

Shops calculate using hourly rates, but quote per job or per part, not per hour.

Why do two CNC quotes differ so much?

Different assumptions about setup time, tooling, and risk.

Is 5-axis machining always more expensive?

Per hour, yes. Per part, sometimes cheaper due to fewer setups.

When Hourly Cost Matters and When It Doesn’t

Hourly cost matters most when:

• You’re comparing similar shops

• Cycle time dominates cost (high volume)

Hourly cost matters less when:

• You’re doing prototypes

• Setup dominates cost

• Quality or delivery risk is high

Final Takeaway

CNC machining cost per hour is a useful benchmark but not a reliable pricing shortcut.

To get accurate pricing:

• Focus on total job cost

• Understand setup vs cycle time

• Optimize your design before quoting

If you do that, the hourly rate becomes context, not a trap.