Occupation · SOC 51-9162
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programrs
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
ProgrammingMonitoringSystems AnalysisOperations MonitoringMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeaking
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingEngineering and TechnologyMathematicsDesignComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareEnterprise application integration softwareVideo conferencing software
Representative 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 programrs.Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.Order tooling for jobs.Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programrs, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
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 programrs, 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
107 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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