Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earn a median of $68,120 per year ($32.75/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 5.9% through 2035, with about 2,700 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
- SOC 51-9162
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $68,120a year, or $32.75/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $48KTop 10% $100K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +5.9%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+5.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +5.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,70028,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202528.6K
- Projected 203530.3K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 28.6K Projected 2035 30.3K - Typical education
- Certificateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school32.8%
- Certificate31.4%
- Some college19.7%
- Associate's14.3%
- Bachelor's1.9%
Highest education held by computer numerically controlled tool programmers Segment Value High school 32.8% Certificate 31.4% Some college 19.7% Associate's 14.3% Bachelor's 1.9%
Also advertised as: CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer), CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer).
Pay
How much do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers make?
Every computer numerically controlled tool programmer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$68,120
Middle half earn $58,270 to $81,890
- 10th
- $47,530
- 25th
- $58,270
- 75th
- $81,890
- 90th
- $100,320
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $47,530 |
| 25th | $58,270 |
| Median | $68,120 |
| 75th | $81,890 |
| 90th | $100,320 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $68,120
- Median hourly wage
- $32.75/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $72,210
- People employed
- 28,500
Versus all US occupations
At $68,120, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earn 34% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $17,140 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 42% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $100,320 or more while the bottom 10% earn $47,530, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 43% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Connecticut posts the highest raw median ($86,390), but once local prices are taken into account Missouri leads at $86,030 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Connecticut | $86,390 | $83,380 | 500 |
| 2California | $82,090 | $74,142 | 2,990 |
| 3Massachusetts | $81,670 | $77,224 | 680 |
| 4Washington | $81,420 | $76,084 | 660 |
| 5Missouri | $78,130 | $86,030 | 430 |
| 6Vermont | $77,980 | $79,606 | 140 |
| 7Kansas | $76,080 | $84,470 | 680 |
| 8North Dakota | $75,990 | $85,421 | 40 |
| 9Oregon | $75,150 | $72,706 | 500 |
| 10Arizona | $74,450 | $73,949 | 470 |
Job outlook
Is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +5.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | +5.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers to change 5.9% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,700 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,700 openings are projected each year, 9.4% of the 28,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
Getting in
How to become a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Postsecondary nondegree award
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer numerically controlled tool programmers.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32.8%
- Post-Secondary Certificate31.4%
- Some College Courses19.7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14.3%
- Bachelor's Degree1.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 32.8% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 31.4% |
| Some College Courses | 19.7% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 14.3% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 1.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer do?
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Monitoring3.5
- Mathematics3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Writing2.9
- Active Learning2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | 3.5 |
| Mathematics | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Writing | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Programming3.8
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Operations Monitoring3.1
- Systems Analysis3.1
- Operation and Control3.0
- Troubleshooting3.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming | 3.8 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Project management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 4 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Conventional5.9
- Realistic4.9
- Investigative3.6
- Enterprising1.7
- Artistic1.5
- Social1.4
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator
$50,690median a year
Most earn $38K to $74K
−9.4%High school - Production
- Architecture and Engineering
- Production
- Production
Electromechanical Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Architecture and Engineering
More production careers
Median annual pay, with computer numerically controlled tool programmers highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer$68,120
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $68,120 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer appears on
Questions
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer: frequently asked questions
How much do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers make?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earn a median of $68,120 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 34% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $32.75/hr. The middle half earn between $58,270 and $81,890. The top 10% earn $100,320 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer?
Not a degree, but you do need credentialed training: BLS lists a postsecondary non-degree award (a certificate or license program) as the typical entry route for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 32.8% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5.9% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,700 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise application integration software.
Which states pay Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers are Connecticut ($86,390), California ($82,090), Massachusetts ($81,670) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Missouri moves to the top at $86,030.
What personality type suits a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer?
O*NET scores Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers highest on the Conventional, Realistic and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.