Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

ManufacturingO*NET 51-9162.00United States

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

COMING SOON See related ASU learning

Median annual earnings: $68,119
Projected change: +12.6%
Typical education: High school diploma or less
Employment: 29.26K jobs

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

The work

What computer numerically controlled tool programmers do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

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.
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
Order tooling for jobs.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile: $47,506
25th percentile: $58,241
50th percentile: $68,119
75th percentile: $81,901
90th percentile: $100,379

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $68,119 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

+12.6%faster than average

202529,258 jobs

2035 projected32,931 jobs

3,673 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less: 32.8%
Certificate: 31.4%
Some college: 19.7%
Associate degree: 14.3%
Bachelor's degree: 1.9%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

Machining
Tooling
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
CNC Programming
Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Lathes
Mastercam (CAD/CAM Software)
CNC Machining
Blueprinting
Mills
G-Codes
Continuous Improvement Process
Engineering Drawings
Computer-Aided Design
Calipers
Micrometer
Technical Drawing
SolidWorks (CAD)
CAM Software
Process Improvement

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

01CNC Programmers4,479 postings
02CNC Machinists and Programmers1,491 postings
03CNC Programmers/Operators523 postings
04Lead CNC Programmers365 postings
05CNC Lathe Programmers318 postings
06CNC Mill Programmers314 postings
07Manufacturing Engineers/CNC Programmers232 postings
08Numerical Control Programmers168 postings
09CNC Set Up Operators150 postings
10Swiss CNC Programmers136 postings
11CNC Lathe Programmers Operator120 postings
12CNC Machine Programmers110 postings
13CNC Programmers/Engineers79 postings
14CNC Swiss Machinists66 postings
15CNC Machinists49 postings
16CNC Milling Machinists49 postings
17Multi-Axis Machinists45 postings
18CNC Machine Operators/Programmers38 postings
19CNC Manufacturing Engineers36 postings
20Toolmakers36 postings

Top employers

01Aerotek562 postings
02GPAC276 postings
03Actalent178 postings
04Jobot131 postings
05Randstad103 postings
06Entegee102 postings
07GE Vernova89 postings
08Express Employment Professionals88 postings
09Adecco71 postings
10Davron63 postings
11Kelly Services48 postings
12W3Global44 postings
13ManpowerGroup43 postings
14Accelera41 postings
15Boeing41 postings
16Paramount Placement40 postings
17CyberCoders36 postings
18Belcan33 postings
19Ultimate Staffing30 postings
20Insight Global29 postings

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