What Does it Take to Be a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer?

Career Description Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Life As a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer: What Do They Do?

• Write programs in the language of a machine’s controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
• Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
• Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
• Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
• Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
• Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer Required Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers say are important on the job.

Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer Jobs

• Plastic Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmer
• Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)
• Programmer
• Numerical Control Tool Programmer (NC Tool Programmer)
• Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer

Job Outlook for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 25,100 jobs in the United States for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 16.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,100 new jobs for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,100 positions for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer are Utah, Nevada, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Vermont, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers Salary

The average yearly salary of a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer ranges between $33,870 and $83,330.

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers who work in California, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers in different U.S. states.

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$45,620
Arizona	$59,550
Arkansas	$55,220
California	$66,560
Colorado	$49,040
Connecticut	$65,560
Florida	$53,780
Georgia	$49,990
Idaho	$45,030
Illinois	$54,900
Indiana	$49,490
Iowa	$46,070
Kansas	$59,350
Kentucky	$47,230
Louisiana	$47,430
Maine	$48,260
Maryland	$61,850
Massachusetts	$65,150
Michigan	$52,150
Minnesota	$61,000
Mississippi	$43,170
Missouri	$55,050
Nebraska	$48,870
Nevada	$58,310
New Hampshire	$59,730
New Jersey	$55,980
New York	$55,720
North Carolina	$46,940
Ohio	$52,800
Oklahoma	$54,320
Oregon	$59,780
Pennsylvania	$55,680
Rhode Island	$54,190
South Carolina	$51,870
South Dakota	$50,810
Tennessee	$53,640
Texas	$58,660
Utah	$47,440
Vermont	$55,280
Virginia	$52,870
Wisconsin	$51,260

Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Extensible markup language XML
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software
• PTC Creo Parametric
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
• 1CadCam Unigraphics
• G code
• Mastercam
• Vero Software SURFCAM
• M code
• DP Technology ESPRIT
• Aptean Made2Manage
• SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM

How do I Become a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer?

Education needed to be a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer?

Where Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers

Those interested in being a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer may also be interested in:

• Electronics Engineering Technologists

Career changers with experience as a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

• Model Makers, Wood

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.