# 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-programmers
- SOC code: 51-9162.00
- Career family: Production
- Median annual pay: $68,120 (10th percentile $47,530, 90th percentile $100,320)
- Projected growth: Faster than average, +5.9%
- Openings a year: 2,700
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary certificate
- Bright outlook: yes
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code CRI)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 65 |
| Investigative (I) | 44 |
| Artistic (A) | 9 |
| Social (S) | 8 |
| Enterprising (E) | 11 |
| Conventional (C) | 82 |

## What you'd do

- Working with Computers (importance 95/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 81/100)
- Getting Information (importance 76/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 75/100)
- Controlling Machines and Processes (importance 75/100)
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (importance 72/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 72/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 71/100)
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (importance 70/100)
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (importance 69/100)

## Skills

Programming, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics, Operations Monitoring, Systems Analysis, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Operation and Control

## Knowledge

Production and Processing, Engineering and Technology, Mathematics, Design, Computers and Electronics, English Language, Education and Training, Mechanical, Administrative, Administration and Management

## Also called

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)

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Precision Metal Working](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/4805) (CIP 4805, 746 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [Ferris State University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/ferris-state-university-949) | Precision Metal Working | not reported | $86,941 | $12,000 |
| [Del Mar College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/del-mar-college-782) | Precision Metal Working | $41,304 | $79,303 | not reported |
| [Hennepin Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/hennepin-technical-college-1182) | Precision Metal Working | $68,632 | $76,020 | $11,033 |
| [Des Moines Area Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/des-moines-area-community-college-797) | Precision Metal Working | $65,355 | $75,145 | not reported |
| [Ivy Tech Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/ivy-tech-community-college-1314) | Precision Metal Working | $69,427 | $75,002 | $5,900 |
| [Dunwoody College of Technology](https://www.collegesref.com/college/dunwoody-college-of-technology-838) | Precision Metal Working | $60,388 | $70,886 | $12,000 |
| [Pennsylvania College of Technology](https://www.collegesref.com/college/pennsylvania-college-of-technology-2096) | Precision Metal Working | $63,054 | $70,298 | $19,500 |
| [Austin Community College District](https://www.collegesref.com/college/austin-community-college-district-152) | Precision Metal Working | $46,036 | $69,185 | not reported |

## Related careers

- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators): $50,690 median pay
- [Machinists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/machinists): $58,750 median pay
- [Robotics Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/robotics-technicians): $73,900 median pay
- [Model Makers, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/model-makers-metal-and-plastic): $63,340 median pay
- [Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/electromechanical-equipment-assemblers): $45,850 median pay
- [Mechanical Drafters](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/mechanical-drafters): $71,550 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

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. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.