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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Production · SOC 51-9162
12.1% AI Exposure — Medium
$68,120
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
—
Proj. Annual Openings
28,500
Employment (OEWS 2025)
88/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure12.1%
AI Resiliency88/100
Exposure BandMedium
Sector Avg. Exposure0.8%
Top Skills
1.Programming
2.Monitoring
3.Operations Monitoring
4.Reading Comprehension
5.Writing
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Common titles: 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)
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.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Determine production equipment settings.
- •Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- •Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
- •Conduct test runs of production equipment.
- •Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Tools & Technologies
Autodesk AutoCAD · hotDassault Systemes SolidWorks · hotSAP software · hotG-codeMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software1CadCam UnigraphicsAptean Made2ManageAutodesk PartMakerDassault Systemes CATIAFaceTime
Related Occupations
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsMachinistsRobotics TechniciansModel Makers, Metal and PlasticElectromechanical Equipment Assemblers · Bright
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
0.5%
Avg AI Exposure
1
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 12.1% | 0.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 4% Bright |
| Median Salary | $68,120 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 88/100 | N/A |