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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Career Profile
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
What Do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Do?
The core tasks performed by computer numerically controlled tool programmers cover:
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
What Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Need to Know
Top computer numerically controlled tool programmers rely on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Key Skills
The abilities most central to this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Other Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Job Titles
Common job titles for this role include:
- Application Engineer
- CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
- CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)
- CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator)
- CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Programmer)
- CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer)
- CNC Lathe Programmer Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer Operator)
- CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator)
Job Outlook
There are about 230,743 computer numerically controlled tool programmers working in the United States today. This occupation is expected to grow by +10.8% over the projection horizon.
Salary for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $60,584 |
| Hourly median | $29.13 |
| 10th percentile | $38,034 |
| 25th percentile | $49,309 |
| 75th percentile | $71,859 |
| 90th percentile | $83,134 |
Wages vary widely based on experience, location, and industry.
How Much Do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Make in Different U.S. States?
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $81,970 |
| Connecticut | $81,780 |
| Massachusetts | $80,060 |
| California | $78,750 |
| Minnesota | $75,940 |
| Kansas | $75,870 |
| Oregon | $75,800 |
| Colorado | $74,210 |
| Missouri | $71,140 |
| Vermont | $70,160 |
| Utah | $69,590 |
| Arizona | $69,220 |
| Tennessee | $67,090 |
| New Jersey | $66,800 |
| Texas | $66,750 |
| Maine | $66,660 |
| Illinois | $65,920 |
| New York | $65,840 |
| Florida | $65,690 |
| Virginia | $65,390 |
| Georgia | $65,000 |
| Idaho | $64,670 |
| Wisconsin | $64,500 |
| South Carolina | $64,000 |
| Maryland | $63,760 |
| South Dakota | $63,080 |
| New Hampshire | $63,040 |
| Indiana | $62,050 |
| Michigan | $62,040 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,990 |
| Wyoming | $61,830 |
| Nevada | $61,300 |
| North Carolina | $60,880 |
| Alabama | $60,840 |
| Rhode Island | $60,670 |
| Ohio | $59,850 |
| Kentucky | $59,760 |
| Montana | $59,680 |
| Nebraska | $59,370 |
| Oklahoma | $58,080 |
| Iowa | $56,660 |
| Louisiana | $55,720 |
| Arkansas | $52,830 |
| Mississippi | $52,000 |
Where Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Earn the Most
Pay for computer numerically controlled tool programmers shift depending on where you work. These regions lead on median pay:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Western US | $78,669 | 13.9% | 0.90 |
| New England | $75,403 | 6.1% | 1.71 |
| Plains States | $70,766 | 12.5% | 2.36 |
| Rocky Mountains | $70,593 | 2.6% | 0.67 |
| Southwest | $66,123 | 8.5% | 0.73 |
| Middle Atlantic | $64,697 | 10.6% | 0.74 |
| Southeast | $62,475 | 14.6% | 0.71 |
| Great Lakes | $62,311 | 31.3% | 2.47 |
Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | CA | $97,930 | 310 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | CA | $92,600 | 180 |
| Wichita, KS | KS | $92,140 | 390 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | FL | $90,890 | 40 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $89,860 | 400 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | CO | $86,470 | 50 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | TN | $85,660 | 40 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | CT | $84,990 | 60 |
Industry Breakdown
The bulk of computer numerically controlled tool programmers are concentrated in the following sectors:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 25,210 | $65,660 |
| Wholesale Trade | 1,070 | $63,720 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 870 | $68,520 |
| Construction | 410 | $61,770 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 180 | $67,390 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 150 | $85,610 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | 80 | $54,650 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 70 | $66,520 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers work in the following industries:
Tools and Technology
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD (hot technology)
- Computer aided design CAD software: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks (hot technology)
- Enterprise application integration software: Extensible markup language XML (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software (hot technology)
- Object or component oriented development software: G-code (in demand)
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software (in demand)
Work Environment
The on-the-job environment of computer numerically controlled tool programmers reflects the following characteristics:
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Frequency of Decision Making
Education and Training
Most computer numerically controlled tool programmers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education. This career aligns with Some Preparation Needed (Job Zone 2), signaling the level of preparation typically expected.
Similar Occupations
Similar Occupations
- Computer Programmers (Supplemental)
- Computer Hardware Engineers (Supplemental)
- Mechatronics Engineers (Supplemental)
- Robotics Engineers (Supplemental)
- Mechanical Drafters (Primary-Long)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians (Primary-Long)
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians (Supplemental)
- Robotics Technicians (Primary-Short)
Top Programs to Study For This Career
Future computer numerically controlled tool programmers often complete programs in:
Precision Production
1 programs across 1 majors
References
This profile draws on the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers).
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