Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
SOC: 51-9162 O*NET: 51-9162.00
Median Salary
$65,670
per year
Job Growth
🚀 12.8%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,760
10th percentile
Early Career
$55,960
25th percentile
Median
$65,670
50th percentile
Experienced
$80,300
75th percentile
Top Earners
$97,930
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,760
25th
$55,960
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$65,670
Mean: $69,880
75th
$80,300
90th
$97,930
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $52,170 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $55,960 and $80,300
- •Salary spread is 37.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 28,230 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:28,300
Top Industries
Manufacturing89.3%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing33.3%
Machinery Manufacturing21.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+12.8%
Annual Openings:3,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)28,300
Current
2034 (Projected)31,900
+12.8%
+3,600
Employment Change
+12.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
California
2,750 jobs$78,7500.83x
Michigan
2,470 jobs$62,0403.07x
Ohio
2,420 jobs$59,8502.39x
Texas
1,540 jobs$66,7500.61x
Minnesota
1,490 jobs$75,9402.79x
Wisconsin
1,490 jobs$64,5002.79x
Indiana
1,350 jobs$62,0502.32x
New York
1,240 jobs$65,8400.71x
Illinois
1,030 jobs$65,9200.93x
North Carolina
950 jobs$60,8801.06x
Pennsylvania
920 jobs$61,9900.83x
Florida
780 jobs$65,6900.43x
Kansas
700 jobs$75,8702.67x
Iowa
700 jobs$56,6602.44x
Massachusetts
680 jobs$80,0601.02x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Programming
100%
#2
Monitoring
94%
#3
Complex Problem Solving
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Mathematics
74%
#6
Systems Analysis
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Reading Comprehension
46%
#10
Troubleshooting
40%
Skills Overview
Programming
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Mathematics
intermediate3.7
74%
Systems Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Programming
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Systems Analysis
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Computer Network Support Specialists54%
5 shared skills
Energy Auditors54%
5 shared skills
Remote Sensing Technicians54%
5 shared skills
Network and Computer Systems Administrators54%
5 shared skills
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers54%
5 shared skills
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic50%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Speaking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Programming
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Programming
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Mathematics
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Planning & Development (1)Training & Development (2)Communication & Coordination (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development85% perform90%
7
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination82% perform88%
8
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value support
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.86
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.48
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.43
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.33
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.26
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.24
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Dependability
4.5
Independence
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Persistence
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Innovation
4.1
Integrity
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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