Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Salary
Production Occupations · 29K employed in the U.S.
Median annual
$68,120
Median hourly
$33
Average annual
$72,210
Typical range
$47,530–$100,320
Pay distribution
10th to 90th percentile, with the median marked.
What this role pays
The median annual salary for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers is $68,120 as of May 2025, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. That works out to about $33 an hour at a full-time schedule.
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment..
Most earn between $47,530 and $100,320 a year. There are roughly 29K people employed as computer numerically controlled tool programmers in the United States. Use the state and metro pages below to see how pay changes by location, and the calculator to convert any hourly or annual figure.
Salary calculator
Convert your pay and see where it lands for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers.
- Hourly
- $32.75
- Daily
- $262
- Weekly
- $1,310
- Bi-weekly
- $2,620
- Monthly
- $5,677
- Annual
- $68,120
$68,120 a year is around the 50th percentile for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmerss. The median is $68,120.
Highest-paying states
Median annual wage by state.
- 1Connecticut$86,390
- 2California$82,090
- 3Massachusetts$81,670
- 4Washington$81,420
- 5Missouri$78,130
- 6Vermont$77,980
- 7Kansas$76,080
- 8North Dakota$75,990
- 9Oregon$75,150
- 10Arizona$74,450
- 11Virginia$74,390
- 12Minnesota$74,190
Top-paying metro areas
Median annual wage by metro area.
- 1San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$102,980
- 2Wichita, KS$99,790
- 3St. Louis, MO-IL$94,230
- 4Naples-Marco Island, FL$93,770
- 5San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA$93,640
- 6Boulder, CO$91,420
- 7Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT$89,190
- 8Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT$87,880
- 9Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$86,860
- 10Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH$85,560
- 11Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC$84,260
- 12Waterbury-Shelton, CT$83,730
Related job titles
Employers advertise Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers roles under these titles.
- Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
- Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer)
- Metal Numerical Control Programmer
- Metal Numerical Tool Programmer
- Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)
- Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmer
- Numerical Tool Programmer
- Process Control Programmer
- Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer
Related occupations
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$50,690
- Machinists$58,750
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$73,900
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74,510
- Mechanical Drafters$71,550
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$78,190
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$67,820
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$63,340
What a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers does
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers make?
- The median annual wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers is $68,120 ($33 per hour). Pay ranges from about $47,530 at the 10th percentile to $100,320 at the 90th percentile.
- What is the average salary for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
- The average (mean) annual salary is $72,210, which is higher than the median because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
- Which state pays Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmerss the most?
- Connecticut has the highest median annual wage for this occupation at $86,390.
- Is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers a growing occupation?
- BLS employment data for May 2025 counts about 29K people in this occupation. Projected growth is published separately in the BLS Employment Projections program.
- What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers do?
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.; Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.; Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates..