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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary in Waterloo, IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers in Waterloo, IA have a median annual salary of $60,330, with 60 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $44,890 at the 10th percentile to $75,510 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$60,330

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$29.00

Employment

60

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$44,890
10th
$54,990
25th
$60,330
Median
$64,820
75th
$75,510
90th

Local compared with national

Waterloo, IA

$60,330

Median annual · 2025

United States

$68,120

Median annual · 2025

The Waterloo, IA median is 11.4% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $7,790).

Top skills

  1. 1.ProgrammingImportance 3.8
  2. 2.MonitoringImportance 3.5
  3. 3.MathematicsImportance 3.1
  4. 4.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.1
  6. 6.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1
  7. 7.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  9. 9.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Operation and ControlImportance 3.0
  12. 12.TroubleshootingImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • 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
  • Delcam FeatureCAM

Common 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.
  • 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.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Waterloo, IA