Cost per Part (Machine + Labor) Calculator
Calculate the true manufacturing cost per part by combining machine hourly rate and labor cost. Perfect for CNC machining, injection molding, stamping, and assembly lines.
Free Tool · Manufacturing Costing · Cycle Time · CNC · MoldingTotal time to produce one part (machining / molding / handling). Typical CNC: 1–10 min | Injection: 0.2–1 min. To convert seconds, divide by 60.
Use fully burdened rate (base wage + benefits + payroll taxes). US averages: CNC operators ~$23–$28/hr, general machine operators ~$20–$26/hr.
Includes depreciation, power, maintenance, and overhead. CNC ~$50–$100/hr | Large injection molding ~$80–$150/hr.
How to Calculate Cost per Part
The most accurate way to determine manufacturing cost per piece is to combine machine time cost and direct labor cost. Machine rate covers depreciation, energy, and maintenance while labor covers the operator.
Parts per Hour = 60 / Cycle Time (minutes)
1 Cycle Time
Total time to complete one part (including load/unload and cooling). Small reductions in cycle time can save thousands annually in high-volume production. Always measure actual floor time, not theoretical.
2 Machine Rate
Hourly cost of running the machine, including depreciation, power, maintenance, and allocated overhead. Higher for larger or more precise equipment. Many shops calculate it as (purchase price / expected life hours) + running costs.
Reducing cycle time by 10% can drop cost per part significantly in high-volume production. Always measure actual cycle time on the shop floor rather than engineering estimates — actual cycle time typically runs 5–15% longer than theoretical due to tool changes, inspection pauses, and operator variability.
Typical Values — Manufacturing
| Process | Typical Cycle Time | Machine Rate ($/hr) | Labor Rate ($/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining (simple) | 1–5 min | $50–90 | $25–35 |
| Injection Molding | 0.2–1 min (per cycle) | $60–130 | $22–32 |
| Press Brake / Stamping | 0.5–3 min | $70–120 | $20–30 |