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Aerospace & Defense
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers write and fine-tune the instructions that guide cutting machines making metal or plastic parts. The job is different from general machine operation because it combines shop math, blueprint reading, and software work, with very little room for error since a bad program can waste material, time, and expensive machine setup.
Also known as CNC ProgrammerNC ProgrammerMachine Tool ProgrammerCNC Machining ProgrammerCNC Setup Programmer
Median Salary
$65,670
Mean $69,880
U.S. Workforce
~28K
3.1K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+12.8%
28.3K to 31.9K
Entry Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers sits in the Trades category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~28K workers, with a median annual pay of $65,670 and roughly 3.1K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 28.3 K in 2024 to 31.9K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma plus CNC training, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Entry-Level CNC Operator and can progress toward Senior CNC Programmer / Lead Programmer. High-value skills usually include G-code Programming & CNC Controls, CAD/CAM Software (Mastercam, Autodesk Fusion 360), and CNC Monitoring & Machine Diagnostics, paired with soft skills such as Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking.
Core Responsibilities
- Study blueprints, job orders, and part drawings to understand exactly what needs to be made.
- Write, edit, and save CNC programs that tell the machine how to move and cut.
- Choose the right tools, cutting order, speeds, and feed rates for each part.
- Work out starting points, hole locations, angles, and curved cuts using shop math.
Keep exploring: more Trades careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Study blueprints, job orders, and part drawings to understand exactly what needs to be made.
02 Write, edit, and save CNC programs that tell the machine how to move and cut.
03 Choose the right tools, cutting order, speeds, and feed rates for each part.
04 Work out starting points, hole locations, angles, and curved cuts using shop math.
05 Compare test parts and machine output with the original specs to catch mistakes early.
06 Handle basic machine upkeep or minor repairs, and adjust programs when a part can be made more efficiently.
Industries That Hire
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Automotive Manufacturing
Toyota, Ford, General Motors
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Medical Device Manufacturing
Medtronic, Stryker, Boston Scientific
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Industrial Machinery & Equipment
Caterpillar, John Deere, Siemens
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Electronics & Semiconductor Equipment
Intel, Micron, Applied Materials
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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The pay is solid for a role that usually starts with a postsecondary nondegree award: the median is $65,670 and the mean is $69,880.
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You do not need years of prior experience to get started, because the occupation lists no work-experience requirement and only moderate on-the-job training.
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Job prospects are growing faster than average, with projected employment up 12.8% by 2034 and about 3.1K annual openings.
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The work combines computer-based problem solving with hands-on manufacturing, which makes it more varied than a basic machine operator job.
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Skills like programming, blueprint reading, and machine troubleshooting transfer across aerospace, automotive, medical device, and other precision-manufacturing fields.
Challenges
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Small mistakes can get expensive fast: one bad program or wrong cutting path can scrap a part, waste machine time, and sometimes damage tooling.
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This is still a relatively small occupation, with only about 31.9K jobs projected in 2034, so advancement can be narrower than in larger technical fields.
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Routine programming work is exposed to automation as CAM software and smarter CNC systems take over simpler jobs, which can pressure wages and reduce demand for basic tasks.
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Demand rises and falls with manufacturing output and capital spending, so some workers feel the effects of downturns, plant slowdowns, or offshoring.
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The day-to-day environment can be noisy, deadline-driven, and physically repetitive, with plenty of time spent standing near machines and checking parts over and over.
Career Progression
Entry-Level CNC Operator
0-2 years
$38K-$48K
Learns machine setup, loads parts, watches test runs, and helps confirm that the first pieces match the drawing.
CNC Setup Technician
2-5 years
$48K-$58K
Sets offsets, swaps tools, runs first-part checks, and helps get production jobs ready to run smoothly.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer THIS ROLE
4-8 years
$60K-$72K
Writes and edits programs, chooses toolpaths and cutting settings, and solves problems when a part needs to meet tight tolerances.
Senior CNC Programmer / Lead Programmer
8+ years
$75K-$95K
Handles harder jobs, standardizes programs, coaches others, and works with engineers to improve speed, quality, and machine uptime.
Education Paths
High school diploma plus CNC training
A common entry route, used by 32.77% of workers in this occupation, usually paired with moderate on-the-job training and enough shop math to learn the programming basics.
Postsecondary certificate in machining or CNC programming
The most common formal credential path, held by 31.39% of workers, and it is often the fastest way to learn G-code, CAD/CAM software, and precision setup skills.
Some college coursework in manufacturing or machine tool technology
A secondary path used by 19.68% of workers, often combining classroom instruction with practical lab time on CNC equipment.
Associate degree in machine tool technology or CNC manufacturing
An alternative route for 14.3% of workers, which can help with more advanced programming, blueprint interpretation, and troubleshooting.
Key Skills
Technical
G-code Programming & CNC Controls 75%
CAD/CAM Software (Mastercam, Autodesk Fusion 360) 73%
CNC Monitoring & Machine Diagnostics 70%
Blueprint Reading, GD&T & Precision Measurement 63%
Feed/Speed Calculations & Shop Math 62%
Toolpath Planning & Process Analysis 62%
Soft Skills
Attention to DetailProblem SolvingCritical ThinkingCommunicationTime ManagementDependability Job Outlook and Trends
+12.8%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
3.1K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 28.3K to 31.9 K over the next decade, representing 12.8% growth. Around 3.1 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.