Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Career, Salary and Skills
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $68,120 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 28,500. Wage data is published for 178 locations.
Occupation description
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
O*NET code
51-9162.00
Job zone
2
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$68,120
Hourly median
$32.75
Employment
28,500
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
$47,530
10th
$58,270
25th
$68,120
Median
$81,890
75th
$100,320
90th
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | 3.75 | — |
| Monitoring | 3.50 | 3.50 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.12 | 4.00 |
| Mathematics | 3.12 | 3.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.00 | 3.50 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.00 | 3.62 |
| Active Listening | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speaking | 3.00 | 3.00 |
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
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- 3D Systems GibbsCAM
- Aptean Made2Manage
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- Autodesk PartMaker
- Autodesk PowerMill
- Autodesk PowerShape
- BobCAD-CAM
- Celeritive Technologies VoluMill
- CGTech Vericut CNC
- Cimatron CimatronE
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in CAMedian $82,090 · Employment 2,990
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in OHMedian $60,080 · Employment 2,370
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in MIMedian $64,640 · Employment 2,300
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in TXMedian $69,550 · Employment 1,930
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in WIMedian $67,460 · Employment 1,610
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in INMedian $63,200 · Employment 1,490
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $82,950 · Employment 1,350
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in MNMedian $74,190 · Employment 1,250
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in NYMedian $68,730 · Employment 1,140
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in PAMedian $66,330 · Employment 1,080
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in ILMedian $68,830 · Employment 1,070
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in Detroit, MIMedian $65,870 · Employment 1,030
Related careers
- Engine and Other Machine AssemblersNational median $53,710
- Computer ProgrammersNational median $100,390
- Computer Hardware EngineersNational median $161,740
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticNational median $47,180
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansNational median $73,900
- Robotics EngineersNational median $122,930
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment AssemblersNational median not published
- Mechatronics EngineersNational median $122,930
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.