Occupation · SOC 51-9162
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.
Median wage
$65,670
$45,760–$97,930
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
28,230
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
79 mapped
Core skills
ProgrammingMonitoringOperations MonitoringWritingSystems AnalysisReading ComprehensionMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningSystems EvaluationActive ListeningTroubleshootingTime ManagementSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisOperations AnalysisOperation and ControlCoordinationLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessInstructingEquipment MaintenanceEquipment SelectionManagement of Personnel ResourcesTechnology DesignRepairingPersuasionNegotiationService OrientationManagement of Material ResourcesScienceManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallation
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsMechanicalMathematicsProduction and ProcessingEngineering and TechnologyDesignEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingAdministrativeCustomer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaChemistryPsychologyBuilding and ConstructionEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingTransportationTelecommunicationsTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyLaw and GovernmentHistory and ArcheologySociology and AnthropologyForeign LanguageMedicine and DentistryGeographyFine ArtsFood ProductionBiology
Technology & tools
1CadCam Unigraphics3D Systems GibbsCAMAptean Made2ManageAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk Fusion 360Autodesk PartMakerAutodesk PowerMillAutodesk PowerShapeBobCAD-CAMCGTech Vericut CNCCeleritive Technologies VoluMillCimatron CimatronEComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDP Technology ESPRITDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksDelcam FeatureCAMDelcam PartMakerDolphin CAD/CAMEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareExtensible markup language XMLFANUC CNCFaceTimeFastCAMG-codeGO2camGeoPath CAD/CAM SystemGeometric Technologies CAMWorksGerber Technology CutWorksGibbsCAMHypertherm ProNestICAM CAM-POSTIntelitek spectraCAM MillingIntelitek spectraCAM TurningKubotek KeyCreator MachinistLAB SUM3DM-codeMachineWorks Ltd. MachineWorksManusoft Technologies IMOLD
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersGetting InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentAnalyzing Data or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesTraining and Teaching OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersSelling or Influencing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
CNC machine operations sequence — identify and list under direct supervision using printed job orders on the shop floor.Basic cutting tools — select and label by type following instructor guidance in a vocational training environment.Job drawings and blueprints — read and interpret simple dimensions under technician oversight at an entry-level CNC workstation.CAM software interface — navigate and locate basic menu functions with step-by-step guidance in a training lab setting.Reference points and part zero locations — locate and record on a workpiece following a standardized setup sheet.CNC program code — identify common G-code and M-code commands from a printed reference card during supervised practice.Machine speeds and feed rates — look up and enter pre-calculated values into a controller under direct technician direction.Trial run observations — watch and document machine movements against expected tool paths during supervised test cuts.Program storage procedures — follow written steps to save and retrieve part programs on shop media under close supervision.Measurement tools and near-vision inspection — use calipers and rules to verify basic part dimensions against a blueprint tolerance.
developing
Machining operation sequences — plan and arrange independently for moderately complex workpieces using job orders and standard templates.Cutting tool selection — evaluate and choose appropriate tooling for common materials by applying learned speed-and-feed tables without supervisor input.Blueprint and specification analysis — interpret angular dimensions, radii, and tolerances from multi-view drawings to calculate CNC input values.CNC part programs — write and format complete programs in G-code for routine two-axis operations on familiar controller platforms.CAM software tool paths — generate and verify tool paths for standard prismatic parts using CAM software with limited guidance.Program errors — identify, correct, and retest revised code to resolve dimensional or motion faults on the production floor.Machine trial runs — conduct and evaluate test cuts, comparing output dimensions to specifications and adjusting offsets as needed.Existing CNC programs — modify feed rates, depth of cut, and redundant moves to improve cycle efficiency on repeat jobs.Part patterns and graphic displays — enter commands to store, retrieve, and transfer program data between controller and shop network.Production quality checks — apply systematic inspection routines and document first-article results against engineering specifications.
proficient
Complex machining sequences — determine and optimize multi-axis operation order for intricate workpieces autonomously, minimizing setup time on a high-mix production floor.Full job package analysis — analyze drawings, PCB pattern films, and design data independently to derive precise dimensions, curvatures, and tool selection for non-standard parts.Advanced CNC programs — write, test, and validate programs across multiple controller languages for complex three-axis and multi-spindle operations without oversight.Cutting tool paths and geometry — compute angular, linear, and radial dimensions for curved and contoured surfaces using mathematical reasoning and CAM software.Simulation and dry-run validation — conduct thorough computer simulations and physical trial runs to verify program integrity before committing to production runs.Program library management — organize, version-control, and transfer part programs and graphic data across ERP and CAM systems to ensure accurate shop-floor availability.Program troubleshooting — diagnose root causes of dimensional deviations, tool crashes, or surface-finish defects and implement corrective code revisions independently.Efficiency enhancements — audit and systematically rewrite legacy programs to reduce cycle times, improve surface quality, and extend tool life across a product family.Machine speed and feed optimization — calculate and apply optimal cutting parameters for diverse materials, balancing throughput and tool wear using engineering data.Cross-functional problem solving — collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve non-routine machining challenges using systems analysis and critical thinking.
advanced
CNC programming standards — develop and implement shop-wide coding conventions, post-processor configurations, and tooling libraries to ensure consistency across all machines and operators.Workforce development — mentor and evaluate emerging and developing CNC programmers, designing structured on-the-job learning plans aligned to production goals.Process improvement strategy — lead systematic reviews of machining sequences and program efficiency across product lines, driving measurable reductions in scrap and cycle time.Technology adoption — evaluate and recommend new CAM software, controller upgrades, and automation integrations, presenting business cases to operations leadership.Quality assurance systems — establish and oversee first-article inspection protocols, SPC checkpoints, and corrective-action workflows to sustain dimensional compliance at scale.ERP and CAM integration — architect data-transfer workflows between enterprise resource planning systems and CNC controllers to synchronize scheduling, tooling, and program revisions.Engineering collaboration leadership — serve as the primary technical liaison between design engineering, manufacturing, and quality departments to translate complex specifications into producible programs.Organizational knowledge management — build and maintain a centralized program repository with revision history, simulation records, and tooling data accessible to the full production team.Safety and compliance oversight — define and enforce machine-guarding, dry-run, and program-verification standards to meet regulatory and customer audit requirements across the facility.Strategic capacity planning — analyze machine utilization, programming backlogs, and skill gaps to recommend staffing, equipment investment, and training priorities to plant management.
Also known as
30 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Application EngineerCAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)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 Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator)CNC Machine Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer)CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)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 Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)CNC Process Control Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Process Control Programmer)CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)CNC Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer)CNC Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Turning Setup Programmer)Metal Numerical Control ProgrammerMetal Numerical Tool ProgrammerNumerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)Numerical Control Tool Programmer (NC Tool Programmer)Numerical Tool ProgrammerPlastic Numerical Tool ProgrammerProcess Control ProgrammerProgrammerSheet Metal CNC Programmer (Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)