Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

Also called: 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, Application Engineer, CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator), CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Programmer), CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer), CNC Lathe Programmer Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer Operator), CNC Machine Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Mill Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer), CNC Milling and Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling and Turning Setup Programmer), CNC Milling Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling Setup Programmer), CNC Process Control Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Process Control Programmer), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer), CNC Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Turning Setup Programmer), Metal Numerical Control Programmer, Metal Numerical Tool Programmer, Numerical Control Tool Programmer (NC Tool Programmer), Numerical Tool Programmer, Plastic Numerical Tool Programmer, Process Control Programmer, Sheet Metal CNC Programmer (Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Programming
Monitoring
Mathematics
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Systems Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Troubleshooting

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (32.77% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

58,270–81,890 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-9162.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Explore setup, CNC programming, precision tooling, or process-improvement responsibilities after demonstrating safe, accurate machining.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (32.77% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers