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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers in California

Want to work as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers in California? Here’s what the data says. 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 Make in California?

The computer numerically controlled tool programmers working in California, wages run about $78,750 per year (or roughly $37.86/hour).Pay can range from $51,030 at the 10th percentile to $124,170 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$51,030	$24.53
25th percentile	$64,940	$31.22
Median (50th)	$78,750	$37.86
75th percentile	$100,100	$48.13
90th percentile	$124,170	$59.70

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California relative to the national average — is 0.83, indicating fewer computer numerically controlled tool programmers per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn a median of $60,584 per year ($29.13/hour), above the California median.

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 230,743 computer numerically controlled tool programmers nationwide. In California alone, about 2,750 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 420 computer numerically controlled tool programmers.

Top California Metros for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

The metro areas below employ the most computer numerically controlled tool programmers in California.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	1,290	$78,530
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	310	$97,930
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA	280	$70,610
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	250	$79,770
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	180	$92,600
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA	100	$73,570
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	60	$78,460
Stockton-Lodi, CA	30	$65,590

Top States for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Employment

These states have the highest employment of computer numerically controlled tool programmers work.

State	Number Employed
California	2,750
Michigan	2,470
Ohio	2,420
Texas	1,540
Wisconsin	1,490
Minnesota	1,490
Indiana	1,350
New York	1,240
Illinois	1,030
North Carolina	950
Pennsylvania	920
Florida	780
Iowa	700
Kansas	700
Massachusetts	680
Washington	640
New Jersey	600
Arizona	520
Connecticut	510
Oregon	450

Highest-Paying States for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

The highest-paying states for computer numerically controlled tool programmers.

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

Skills

Top computer numerically controlled tool programmers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

Key abilities for computer numerically controlled tool programmers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Day-to-day, computer numerically controlled tool programmers typically:

• 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.
• Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
• Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
• Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
• Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Getting Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
• Thinking Creatively
• Processing Information

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks In-demand technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Other careers like computer numerically controlled tool programmers include:

• Computer Programmers
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Mechatronics Engineers
• Robotics Engineers
• Mechanical Drafters
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Also Known As

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), CNC Machine Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Mill Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer), CNC Milling Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling Setup Programmer), CNC Milling and Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling and Turning Setup Programmer), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator).

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-9162.00