Occupations/51-9162.00

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.

High school

Usually a high school diploma, plus some experience or short training.

AI automation risk

72%

Higher automation risk

Human characteristics

40%

Balanced human and task mix

Task orientation

73%

Higher automation risk

A day in this job

  • Mostly routine

    Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.

  • Mostly routine

    Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.

  • Task

    Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.

The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.

Core tasks

  1. 01Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
  2. 02Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
  3. 03Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
  4. 04Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
  5. 05Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
  6. 06Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

  • Repeating same tasks3.97
  • Degree of automation2.79
  • Time sitting2.83
  • Originality (ability)2.75
  • Conflict situations2.62
  • Hands-on objects/tools4.50
  • Outdoors / weather1.38
  • Disease exposure1.31
  • Decision freedom3.90

Top abilities

  • Near Vision4.00
  • Problem Sensitivity3.88
  • Information Ordering3.88
  • Perceptual Speed3.75
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.50
  • Visualization3.12
  • Selective Attention3.12
  • Category Flexibility3.12

Essential skills

  • Reading Comprehension3.00
  • Active Listening3.00
  • Writing2.88
  • Speaking3.00
  • Mathematics3.12
  • Science1.88
  • Critical Thinking3.00
  • Active Learning2.88
  • Learning Strategies2.62
  • Monitoring3.50

CIP matches

48.0510Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

Schools offering related programs

11 shown

Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.

InstitutionProgramTuitionAdmitGrad 6-yrEarnings

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$5,900100%28%

1 yr $54,035

2 yr $55,512

Associate · CIP 48.05

Saint Paul College

St. Paul, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$6,100100%29%

1 yr $40,551

2 yr $42,363

Certificate · CIP 48.05

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$9,80071%61%

1 yr $38,289

2 yr $34,704

Certificate · CIP 48.05

Century College

White Bear Lake, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$6,000100%31%

1 yr $35,594

2 yr $34,704

Certificate · CIP 48.05

University of Minnesota-Rochester

Rochester, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$14,20072%73%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Certificate · CIP 48.05

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$5,800100%33%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Certificate · CIP 48.05

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$6,200100%38%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported

Miami Dade College

Miami, FL · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$2,900100%41%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Certificate · CIP 48.05

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$5,700100%35%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Certificate · CIP 48.05

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, MN · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$6,300100%48%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported

Macomb Community College

Warren, MI · Public

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

48.0510

$4,200100%22%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported