Occupation salary profile

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

SOC 51-9162 BLS OEWS May 2025

Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

National median · BLS
$68,120
▲ +3.73% YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$72,210
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
28,500
Jobs (BLS)
Highest-paying state (cost-adjusted) Loading…
Most jobs Loading…
Highest-paying metro (cost-adjusted) Loading…

Check your salary

Enter your pay and a location to see where you stand against BLS and H-1B pay, your estimated take-home pay, and your purchasing power.

Pay range for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.

Percentile All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay$47,530
25th$58,270
Median (50th)$68,120
75th$81,890
90th — top pay$100,320

Hourly ⇄ annual pay

Type in either box; the other updates instantly.

Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on hrs/week × weeks/year = 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035

Job outlook for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

BLS projects employment of computer numerically controlled tool programmers to grow 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,700 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.

Jobs 2025 → 2035
28,600 → 30,300
+1,700 jobs
Projected change
+5.9%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
2,700
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
0.5% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 2)
Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Fastest-growing jobs → Best-paying jobs that need a postsecondary certificate (nondegree award) →

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035 · BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook →

Skills & tools

Skills needed for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.

Top skills
  • Programming3.8
  • Monitoring3.5
  • Complex Problem Solving3.1
  • Mathematics3.1
  • Operations Monitoring3.1
  • Systems Analysis3.1
  • Active Listening3.0
  • Critical Thinking3.0
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.0
  • Operation and Control3.0
Top knowledge areas
  • Production and Processing4.3
  • Engineering and Technology4.1
  • Mathematics4.0
  • Design3.9
  • Computers and Electronics3.8
  • English Language3.6
  • Education and Training3.4
  • Mechanical3.3
Software and technology used
Autodesk AutoCADDassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft Office softwareAutodesk Fusion 360G-codeMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareExtensible markup language XMLMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software1CadCam Unigraphics3D Systems GibbsCAMAptean Made2ManageAutodesk PartMakerAutodesk PowerMillAutodesk PowerShape

Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

About the job

What computer numerically controlled tool programmers do

  • 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.
Also called
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)ProgrammerCAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator)CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer)Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)
More job titles for this occupation (20)
Application EngineerCNC 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 Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer)CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)CNC Mill Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer)CNC Milling and Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling and Turning Setup Programmer)CNC Milling Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling Setup Programmer)CNC Process Control Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Process Control Programmer)CNC Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)CNC Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Turning Setup Programmer)Metal Numerical Control ProgrammerMetal Numerical Tool ProgrammerNumerical Control Tool Programmer (NC Tool Programmer)Numerical Tool ProgrammerPlastic Numerical Tool ProgrammerProcess Control ProgrammerSheet Metal CNC Programmer (Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)

Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.