The field of CNC machining is highly versatile. Becoming a CNC machine operator can open up doors that you might not expect.

You can earn good money and find career fulfillment no matter your segment of the industry. So how can you set up a gameplan for earning more in the field? Here's what you should know about become a well-paid CNC machinist on the side or full-time.

Get Access to the Best CNC Machine You Can Afford at the Moment

Owning a CNC machine that you have 24-hour access to is an investment in your career. This access is essential, whether you're going into business for yourself or working for a company.

Owning a machine empowers you to produce at your own pace as an entrepreneur. It also lets you perfect your skills if you work for someone else.

Look into rental and purchase opportunities for a high-tech CNC machine and figure out what makes the most sense for you.

Understand the Various Roles and Career Paths

Consider the many opportunities in front of you as a CNC machinist. The possibilities are endless with these jobs, so you should learn what part of the career you enjoy and what perks are important to you.

A Machinist III, for instance, earns an approximately $64,000 median salary. Consider the merit and details of other career paths as well, such as senior CNC programmer, CNC designer, CNC milling machinist, and CNC service engineer.

These jobs are prevalent all over, so start figuring out where you want to live and what credentials you need to climb your career path of choice.

Keep Your Main Source of Income for Now and Learn to Market Yourself

Keeping your main source of income is essential as you branch out into CNC machining. It's a very competitive field, so give yourself time to gain some traction.

Having another income stream lets you build your career on your time. This is essential since marketing is a huge part of the job.

Join communities like Inventables to learn more about marketing yourself as an inventor and a professional.

Find the different ways to brand yourself as a CNC machinist, and have a strong presence on social media, job boards, and other outlets.

Create Your Own Products

Using CNC machines to create your own products is an excellent career path. Many professionals operate as shop to make other people's products, but creating your own products gives you more autonomy.

Creating products that are strongly in demand will allow you to maintain this stream of income and supply value to the market.

Become the Best CNC Machinist You Can

Becoming a CNC machinist is an excellent career path no matter what you're interested in. This field is experiencing growth and you can be part of it as long as you have skills and the right outlook.

The points above will get you started in the right direction, no matter your goals.

Follow these tips and start brushing up on your CNC machining skills.

Founder at Alltopstartups and author of Working in The Gig Economy. His work has been featured at Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine.