How much does a computer numerically controlled tool programmer make?
The median computer numerically controlled tool programmer in the United States earns $68,120 per year, about $32.75 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 51-9162.
Computer numerically controlled tool programmer salary range
Pay for computer numerically controlled tool programmers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $47,530 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $100,320. The average (mean) wage of $72,210 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,530 | $22.85 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $58,270 | $28.01 | |
| Median (50th) | $68,120 | $32.75 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $81,890 | $39.37 | |
| 90th percentile | $100,320 | $48.23 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for computer numerically controlled tool programmers (SOC 51-9162), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Computer numerically controlled tool programmer salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn the most in Connecticut at $86,390 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $50,190. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $86,390 | 500 |
| California | $82,090 | 2,990 |
| Massachusetts | $81,670 | 680 |
| Washington | $81,420 | 660 |
| Missouri | $78,130 | 430 |
| Vermont | $77,980 | 140 |
| Kansas | $76,080 | 680 |
| North Dakota | $75,990 | 40 |
| Oregon | $75,150 | 500 |
| Arizona | $74,450 | 470 |
| Virginia | $74,390 | 330 |
| Minnesota | $74,190 | 1,250 |
| Maine | $72,920 | 50 |
| New Hampshire | $71,680 | 290 |
| Montana | $70,860 | 60 |
| New Jersey | $70,460 | 520 |
| Tennessee | $69,700 | 330 |
| Colorado | $69,570 | 410 |
| Texas | $69,550 | 1,930 |
| South Carolina | $69,470 | 340 |
| Illinois | $68,830 | 1,070 |
| New York | $68,730 | 1,140 |
| Wisconsin | $67,460 | 1,610 |
| South Dakota | $66,650 | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,330 | 1,080 |
| Maryland | $65,670 | 200 |
| Utah | $65,610 | 150 |
| Oklahoma | $65,590 | 330 |
| Kentucky | $64,980 | 230 |
| Michigan | $64,640 | 2,300 |
| Alabama | $64,590 | 420 |
| North Carolina | $63,990 | 760 |
| Florida | $63,970 | 770 |
| Idaho | $63,560 | 120 |
| Indiana | $63,200 | 1,490 |
| Nebraska | $63,190 | 70 |
| Rhode Island | $62,640 | 70 |
| Georgia | $61,360 | 420 |
| Ohio | $60,080 | 2,370 |
| Iowa | $57,780 | 640 |
| Nevada | $57,210 | 130 |
| Arkansas | $56,390 | 210 |
| Mississippi | $50,190 | 140 |
State median wages for computer numerically controlled tool programmers (SOC 51-9162), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for computer numerically controlled tool programmers
The BLS projects employment of computer numerically controlled tool programmers to grow 5.9% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 28,600 jobs in 2025 moving toward 30,300 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,700 openings a year for computer numerically controlled tool programmers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a computer numerically controlled tool programmer
The typical entry-level education for computer numerically controlled tool programmers is a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a computer numerically controlled tool programmer earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Connecticut, $86,390) and the lowest (Mississippi, $50,190) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 28,500 people work as computer numerically controlled tool programmers in the United States. At $68,120 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Computer numerically controlled tool programmer salary FAQ
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool programmer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a computer numerically controlled tool programmer is $32.75. The middle half of computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn between $28.01 and $39.37 per hour.
What is the highest computer numerically controlled tool programmer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn more than $100,320 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool programmer make a year?
The median annual salary for a computer numerically controlled tool programmer is $68,120. The average (mean) wage of $72,210 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a computer numerically controlled tool programmer a well paid job?
At $68,120 a year, a computer numerically controlled tool programmer earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 28,500 people work as computer numerically controlled tool programmers in the United States.
Which state pays computer numerically controlled tool programmers the most?
Connecticut has the highest median salary for computer numerically controlled tool programmers at $86,390 a year. California ($82,090) and Massachusetts ($81,670) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a computer numerically controlled tool programmer a good career?
Employment of computer numerically controlled tool programmers is projected to grow 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 2,700 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a computer numerically controlled tool programmer?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for computer numerically controlled tool programmers as a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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