Computer numerically controlled tool programmers salary
| Measure | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,120 | $32.75 |
| Mean (average) | $72,210 | $34.72 |
| 90th percentile | $100,320 | $48.23 |
These wages describe everyone employed in the occupation, from new entrants to experienced workers. They are not starting salaries and not earnings of graduates from any particular program. Verified data
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers pay by state and metro area
Table: median wage and employment for all 43 states and territories
| State | Median | 10th pct | 90th pct | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,590 | $42,720 | $90,520 | 420 | 1.08 |
| Arizona | $74,450 | $51,970 | $97,610 | 470 | 0.8 |
| Arkansas | $56,390 | $46,500 | $80,220 | 210 | 0.88 |
| California | $82,090 | $55,900 | $126,010 | 2,990 | 0.89 |
| Colorado | $69,570 | $47,160 | $102,590 | 410 | 0.78 |
| Connecticut | $86,390 | $58,700 | $118,110 | 500 | 1.6 |
| Florida | $63,970 | $37,520 | $93,770 | 770 | 0.42 |
| Georgia | $61,360 | $43,690 | $91,190 | 420 | 0.47 |
| Idaho | $63,560 | $45,780 | $93,010 | 120 | 0.79 |
| Illinois | $68,830 | $53,290 | $92,130 | 1,070 | 0.96 |
| Indiana | $63,200 | $49,100 | $90,450 | 1,490 | 2.54 |
| Iowa | $57,780 | $39,150 | $78,160 | 640 | 2.24 |
| Kansas | $76,080 | $53,920 | $125,740 | 680 | 2.58 |
| Kentucky | $64,980 | $50,550 | $109,400 | 230 | 0.64 |
| Maine | $72,920 | $47,510 | $102,770 | 50 | 0.42 |
| Maryland | $65,670 | $44,900 | $85,930 | 200 | 0.39 |
| Massachusetts | $81,670 | $59,710 | $102,920 | 680 | 1.02 |
| Michigan | $64,640 | $50,070 | $93,950 | 2,300 | 2.85 |
| Minnesota | $74,190 | $51,200 | $89,970 | 1,250 | 2.31 |
| Mississippi | $50,190 | $43,430 | $75,390 | 140 | 0.68 |
| Missouri | $78,130 | $46,460 | $128,950 | 430 | 0.8 |
| Montana | $70,860 | $46,540 | $95,700 | 60 | 0.61 |
| Nebraska | $63,190 | $44,050 | $79,810 | 70 | 0.37 |
| Nevada | $57,210 | $40,560 | $115,160 | 130 | 0.46 |
| New Hampshire | $71,680 | $56,380 | $94,820 | 290 | 2.29 |
| New Jersey | $70,460 | $48,920 | $96,800 | 520 | 0.66 |
| New York | $68,730 | $45,500 | $97,390 | 1,140 | 0.64 |
| North Carolina | $63,990 | $47,120 | $88,200 | 760 | 0.84 |
| North Dakota | $75,990 | $61,280 | $93,900 | 40 | 0.53 |
| Ohio | $60,080 | $42,950 | $84,120 | 2,370 | 2.33 |
| Oklahoma | $65,590 | $44,170 | $99,180 | 330 | 1.05 |
| Oregon | $75,150 | $53,690 | $103,850 | 500 | 1.38 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,330 | $49,980 | $88,970 | 1,080 | 0.97 |
| Rhode Island | $62,640 | $57,070 | $85,110 | 70 | 0.75 |
| South Carolina | $69,470 | $48,760 | $97,250 | 340 | 0.8 |
| South Dakota | $66,650 | $48,800 | $83,930 | 80 | 0.99 |
| Tennessee | $69,700 | $57,200 | $100,690 | 330 | 0.54 |
| Texas | $69,550 | $43,480 | $114,830 | 1,930 | 0.75 |
| Utah | $65,610 | $47,960 | $96,140 | 150 | 0.48 |
| Vermont | $77,980 | $60,710 | $104,180 | 140 | 2.55 |
| Virginia | $74,390 | $49,480 | $99,240 | 330 | 0.43 |
| Washington | $81,420 | $62,020 | $101,920 | 660 | 1.01 |
| Wisconsin | $67,460 | $56,220 | $79,470 | 1,610 | 2.99 |
A location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in that state than in the nation overall.
Metro areas with the most jobs
Highest paying metro areas
Job outlook for computer numerically controlled tool programmers
- Average annual openings, 2025 to 2035: 2,700. Openings include new jobs plus replacement needs when workers retire or leave the occupation. Official projection
- Share of workers who are self-employed (2025): 0.5%.
- Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile.
These are official BLS projections. ConnectPrep does not alter them or present its own forecasts as official statistics.
Education and training for computer numerically controlled tool programmers
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- O*NET Job Zone
- Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Highest education of people working in this occupation
O*NET describes this preparation level as: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Degrees and programs that lead to this career
Programs officially mapped to this occupation in the NCES and BLS CIP to SOC crosswalk. A mapping means the program commonly prepares students for the occupation, not that every graduate works in it. Official crosswalk
Skills, knowledge, and daily work
Most important skills
Most important knowledge areas
Typical tasks
- 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.
Technology skills
- Autodesk AutoCAD (in demand)
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks (in demand)
- Microsoft Office software (in demand)
- Autodesk Fusion 360 (in demand)
- G-code (in demand)
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software (in demand)
- Extensible markup language XML (hot technology)
- Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Microsoft Word (hot technology)
- SAP software (hot technology)
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- 3D Systems GibbsCAM
- Aptean Made2Manage
- Autodesk PartMaker
Transferable skills for career changers: Programming, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Systems Analysis, Operation and Control, Troubleshooting.
Common job titles: 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), CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician), CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer), Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer), Programmer.
Is it worth it? Model the cost of getting there
Use the ROI calculator to compare the cost of the education this career usually requires against staying on your current path. It starts from the official wage distribution above, and you can change every assumption.
Frequently asked questions
How much do computer numerically controlled tool programmers make?
The national median annual wage for computer numerically controlled tool programmers was $68,120 in May 2025, according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $47,530 and the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $100,320. These figures cover all workers in the occupation, not only new entrants.
What education do computer numerically controlled tool programmers need?
BLS lists postsecondary nondegree award as the typical education needed to enter this occupation, with none of related work experience and moderate-term on-the-job training on-the-job training typically needed to become competent.
Is computer numerically controlled tool programmers a growing career?
BLS projects employment of computer numerically controlled tool programmers to change +5.9% from 2025 to 2035, compared with +3.5% for all occupations. About 2,700 openings are projected each year on average, including openings from workers who retire or change occupations.
Which states pay computer numerically controlled tool programmers the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest paying states were Connecticut ($86,390), California ($82,090), Massachusetts ($81,670). Pay differences partly reflect differences in living costs.