How to become a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

Official title: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

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

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

Main 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.

How to become one

Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training.

Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Cnc Operator and Programmer.
• Apprenticeship: Cnc Set-Up Prog - Turning.
• Apprenticeship: Tool Programmer, Numerical.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $68,120 a year The middle half earn $58,270 to $81,890.
• About 28,600 people work in this job now, and about 30,300 are projected by 2035. (+5.9%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Related jobs

• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer?

Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training.

How much does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $68,120 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $58,270 to $81,890.

Is a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 28,600 to about 30,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer?

Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Cnc Operator and Programmer.

Will AI change the work of a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.