Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Career Overview

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 Known As

• CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)
• CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)
• CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)
• Programmer

Alternate Job Titles

• Application Engineer
• CAD 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)

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Production and Processing
• Engineering and Technology
• Mathematics
• Design
• Computers and Electronics
• English Language

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Programming

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Category Flexibility
• Selective Attention
• Visualization
• Oral Comprehension
• Speech Recognition

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Cautiousness
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Relationships
• Independence
• Achievement
• Working Conditions

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: 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.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• Extensible markup language XML
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• SAP software

Tools & Equipment

• Adjustable squares
• Bore gauges
• Computer numerical control CNC grinders
• Computer numerical control CNC lasers
• Computer numerical control CNC notchers
• Computer numerical control CNC press brakes
• Computer numerical control CNC punch presses
• Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
• Coodinate meauring machines CMM
• Dial indicators
• Digital angle gauges
• Digital calipers
• Digital height gauges
• Digital micrometers
• Drill presses

Work Environment

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Frequency of Decision Making

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$45,760
Median	$65,670
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$97,930

Workers Employed Nationally: 28,230

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

---

---

Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.