Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

What Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Do

Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

Career Outlook

National employment outlook, 2024–2034.

Related work experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Self-employed

Not available

Source: BLS Employment Projections — 2024-2034.

Key Knowledge Areas

Subject-matter areas this occupation draws on most, per O*NET.

• Production and Processingimportance 4.3/5
• Engineering and Technologyimportance 4.1/5
• Mathematicsimportance 4.0/5
• Designimportance 3.9/5
• Computers and Electronicsimportance 3.8/5
• English Languageimportance 3.6/5
• Education and Trainingimportance 3.4/5
• Mechanicalimportance 3.3/5

Work Environment

What the day-to-day work setting is like, per O*NET.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9/5
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5/5
• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5/5
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4/5
• Frequency of Decision Making4.2/5
• Time Pressure4.2/5

Related Careers

• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Machinists
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Mechanical Drafters
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Careers With Similar Skills

Occupations whose Transferable Skills profile most closely matches this one — a mathematical comparison, not observed data about people actually moving between these careers.

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians91% skill match
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic90% skill match
• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders88% skill match
• Chemical Technicians87% skill match
• Nuclear Technicians87% skill match
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators86% skill match
• Conveyor Operators and Tenders85% skill match
• Broadcast Technicians85% skill match

Transferable Skills

Cross-functional skills this occupation draws on most, per O*NET — the kind that carry over to other careers.

• Programmingimportance 3.8/5
• Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.1/5
• Operations Monitoringimportance 3.1/5
• Systems Analysisimportance 3.1/5
• Operation and Controlimportance 3.0/5
• Troubleshootingimportance 3.0/5
• Quality Control Analysisimportance 3.0/5
• Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.0/5

Software & Technologies

Tools and software used in this occupation, per O*NET.

Work Style

Personal work characteristics that matter most for this occupation, per O*NET.

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Cautiousness
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Achievement Orientation
• Perseverance
• Integrity

Career Interests

This occupation’s RIASEC interest profile, per O*NET — how strongly it fits each of the six Holland interest types.

• ConventionalHigh
• RealisticMedium
• InvestigativeMedium
• EnterprisingLow
• ArtisticLow
• SocialLow

Where This Career Is Most Concentrated

Metro areas where computer numerically controlled tool programmers make up the largest share of local employment, relative to the national average (BLS location quotient).

1. 1Sheboygan, WI22.32× national avg
2. 2Wichita, KS6.93× national avg
3. 3Dubuque, IA5.03× national avg
4. 4Fort Wayne, IN4.64× national avg
5. 5Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI4.52× national avg

Possible Career Moves

A computed starting point, not observed job-change data — see the full list for why each one might fit.

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and TechniciansCareer Change
• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsLateral Move
• Patternmakers, Metal and PlasticLateral Move
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticLateral Move

See the full career path from Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers →

Related Education Programs

Schools that offer related fields of study, based on the NCES CIP-SOC crosswalk — not a guarantee that graduates enter this specific career.